Mr. Richard Hollinger Eckert

Richard Hollinger Eckert (Dick), age 97, of Knoxville Tennessee passed away on June 27, 2017. Dick was predeceased by his love, Mary Anne (Cissy) Barton Eckert, wife of 63 years, and his brother Mark A. Eckert. Dick was born March 17, 1920 to Mark and Ruth Eckert in Gettysburg, PA. His childhood was filled with adventures, many with his close friends Tom and Harry (yes, the classic boy trio). At Gettysburg High School, he enjoyed chorus and theatre, where he perfected his imitation of Frankenstein, later shared to the delight of his children. Dick spent one year at Gettysburg College and then transferred to Penn State Univ., where he majored in architectural engineering. At Penn State, he served as president of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and participated in the choir and glee clubs. After graduating in 1942, he worked briefly in Elmira, NY and Ambridge, PA before being drafted into the Army in 1943. Following basic training, he was assigned to Oak Ridge, TN as part of the Special Engineering Detachment for the “Manhattan Project” during the war. Although Dick never enjoyed being a soldier, he did like the camaraderie at Oak Ridge and developed lifelong friendships. After his discharge in 1946, he went to work for Barber & McMurry in Knoxville, where he became a registered architect and partner in the firm. Some of his favorite projects included Second Presbyterian Church, McClung Museum, Clement Hall at UT, Wilson Chapel at Maryville College, Grainger County Schools, and Arrowmont Pi Beta Phi Barn. Dick served a term as president of the East Tennessee Chapter of America Institute of Architects in 1976. In 1978, he joined the firm of McCarty Holsaple McCarty and worked on the design of several buildings for the 1982 World’s Fair. After retiring from full time work, he designed additions and modifications to houses and enjoyed the fellowship at the monthly meetings of Knoxville’s “Ancient Architects.” In 2007, Dick and Cissy sold their home of 55 years and moved to Buckingham in the Shannondale Retirement Community. After Cissy’s death (2010), and when living alone became too difficult, Dick moved to assisted living. There he received good care and visits from friends and was proud to say he was the oldest resident there. Dick was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Though he served as a deacon and elder, his faith was expressed best by his loyal service of over sixty years of singing tenor in the choir. At Shannondale, he continued singing with the “Bucking-hams.” Dick was a problem solver, possessed a quick wit, and enjoyed stamp collecting, genealogy, Bridge, golf, and symphony and UT Theatre performances. Dick is survived by his children - Rich and wife Karen of Greenville, NC, Holli and fiancé Malcolm Rogers of Knoxville, and Bill and wife Marilyn of Springfield, VA; grandchildren - John and David Eckert of Springfield, VA and Kevin Gavin of Greenville, NC and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service, followed by receiving of friends, will be held at Second Presbyterian Church (2829 Kingston Pike) at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1st, 2017 with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial gifts may be made to the music program at Second Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mr. Richard Hollinger Eckert

March 17, 1920 - June 27, 2017