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Richard L. Dykes, 81, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton. Richard was born in Carter County on May 29, 1943 to the late Lawrence Virgil Dykes and Gladys Marie White Dykes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patsy Carol Mathis Dykes; his sister, Barbara Jenkins; and his brother, Ralph “Gerald” Dykes and wife Dorothy.

Richard retired from the Veteran’s Administration where he had worked in the pharmacy, and he was an E-5 Sergeant in the United States Army. He coached his son in all the sports that he participated in and was a true Hall of Fame Dad. Richard loved his son, his daughter-in-law and his granddaughter. He was a kind and thoughtful man and always seemed to have an answer to a question or problem.

Richard was an avid sports fan and a member of Eastside Free Will Baptist Church. He was former president of the Carter County Babe Ruth League and American Little League. He was a founding member of Buccaneer Football and Friend Foundation and the Elizabethton Soccer Association.

Those left to remember Richard include his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Heather Dykes of Elizabethton; his brother-in-law, Danny Jenkins of Virginia; his beloved granddaughter, Paiyton Dykes of Elizabethton; brothers-in-law, Mickey Mathis (Deb) and Barry Mathis (Kay); and sisters-in-law, Brenda Bare (Glen), Penny Fenner (Billy), and Sue Mathis. Several nieces, nephews and other extended family also survive.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be conducted at 6 p.m. Monday, September 2, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Pastor Justin Deaton officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 5 and 6 p.m. Monday.

The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded at the graveside. Active pallbearers will be Tim Parlier, Brandon Parlier, Vick Parlier, John Blackburn, Don Shepherd, Sam Rogers and Joe Williams. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday. The family would like to thank Jessica Guy at Ivy Hall Nursing Home and the staff of Ivy Hall and Amedysis Hospice for their love and care during Richard’s illness. Also, to our family and friends for your support during this difficult time. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Richard L. Dykes. Office Phone: (423) 542-2232