Obituary of Michael Reynard Richards

Dr. Michael Reynard Richards, Professer Emiritus, passed away on September 1, 2014 with his wife, Julie, by his side. He was born in N.Y., N.Y. on Jan 22, 1931 to the late Ira and Grace Richards. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ira Jr. and Lexford and a son, Jacob. Survivors include is wife, Julie; children, Kate (Brian) Mink of Chattanooga, Zach (Lauren) Effron of Brooklyn, N.Y., Renee (Tim) Grace of Sale Creek, Michael (Mary) Richards of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Eleanor (Ted) Vallejos of San Diego, California, Rachel Richards of Portland, Oregon; 3 granddaughters, Sara Jane Landry of Chattanooga, Adele "Addie" Effron and Emma Rose Effron of Brooklyn, N.Y.. He was a long time resident of Lookout Mountain, GA and of the Episcopal Faith. He served as a torpedo man on a diesel-electronic submarine during the Korean War. He completed his education upon his discharge earning a B.A. from the University of the South, M.A. from Duke University and PH.D. from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was a beloved English Professor at the University of Chattanooga and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1961-2001 teaching courses in Shakespeare, Donne and Milton. He was a published scholar with articles on Donne, Keats and Shakespeare. He was awarded "Outstanding Professor" award in 1994-1995. A most eclectic man - He played in over 20 performances in local theaters. He raced cars - a Lotus Super 7 Marlin Formula Ford and also a Z28 Camaro in the 24 hours of Dayton, Florida. He was also an avid gardener and landscaper. He is know to have re-established the Shakespeare Garden at UTC. "Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince. And flights of angles sing thee to they rest" Hamlet Act 5 Sc 2 The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga, Alexian Health Care - Special caregivers, Ina Smith and Vickie Wolfe. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2pm Friday in Chattanooga National Cemetery with The Reverend John Talbird officiating. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 5-7pm at Wann Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 821-7551 Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.