Richard Weakley

Our father James Richard Weakley, went home to our Heavenly Father on June 12, 2025. Daddy lived his entire 91 years calling MacAdoo Creek Springs Farm home. The youngest of 5 children of Vernon and Bertha Albright Weakley, Daddy lived a childhood filled with freedom to roam, chocked full of adventures. His best friends were the children of local tenant farmers. He often talked about the fun times he had with Robert E. Lee and Joe Lewis, all having a Huckleberry Finn feel to the stories. At 10 years old, he raised his own melon crop, hitched his little mule Beck to a wagon and drove the countryside selling to whoever was willing to make a purchase. Our Daddy never shied away from hard work. His own father once said that “Richard was the hardest working farm hand he had ever seen.” He carried this fun loving, hard working theme throughout his life. He was quick with wit and quick with any task he attempted to do. To put it simply, he was a talented man. While attending Clarksville High School, he was voted Class Clown, a trait that never left his ever mischievous nature. A standout track athlete, Daddy ran to a photo finish in the mile run at the state track meet. At the time it was the fastest mile recorded in the state’s history. His legendary coach, Bryant McDaniel always quipped “Richard, if you would put those cigarettes down, you would be an Olympic athlete.” Daddy later went on to have a brief but stand out year running track for Austin Peay State College. He won the 880, mile, and two mile runs in the first track meet in the school’s history. But, something more important than running was on his mind, marrying his lifelong love, Mary Alley.

Daddy met Mary Alley at Sango Elementary school. While they both had dates with other people from time to time, they were destined to be together. They married in 1955 at Port Royal United Methodist Church. This began a lifelong adventure eventually producing a family totaling over 65 members. For this, he was most proud. Mama and Daddy started their marriage with an Army station of duty in Panama. Their first child Marydith was born there. They both often said their time in Panama was some of the happiest times of their lives. After his time in the Army, Mama and Daddy built their forever home on the farm. Raising 4 children required much of Daddy. He worked two jobs our entire childhood. He was the third person hired at the newly established Trane Co. He was a beloved boss to many who had the pleasure of working for him. We are often told that our Daddy was their all time favorite boss. In addition, he farmed full time after getting off work from Trane and also on the weekend. He always took Vernon and Benny to the field with him, molding another generation of hard working men. Beth and Marydith got to go whenever they wished but our Daddy did not believe that girls should be required to go to the field.

Daddy was a lifelong member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church where his mother played the organ. She required her adventurous son to attend whenever the doors were open. He attended for his final time just last Sunday.

Our Daddy was loyal and loving and devoted to his family with a determined fierceness. He will be missed so much by all of us who were so fortunate to have him in our lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Mary Alley Weakley. He is survived by his daughters Marydith (Ted) Young, Beth (Johnny)Baggett, sons Vernon (Kathleen) Weakley, Benny (Pam) Weakley, grandchildren Lauren Stacey, Rebecca (Craig) Crawford, Rachel (Clifton) Smith, Sarah (Parker) Tobin, Mary Catherine (Dustin) Fleenor, Matt (Ashley) Kautz, Drake (Malena) Young, Teal (Marklee) Young, Averitt (Holly) Baggett, Ren (Kelly) Baggett, Ella Baggett, Richard (Alison) Weakley, Jim Weakley, Brad (Jamie) Weakley, Diana Weakley, and 28 great grandchildren. A special thanks to Lisa Logan for her longtime support of our family.

Visitation will be Monday, June 16, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at McReynolds Nave Larson Funeral Home

Funeral will be Tuesday, June 17th, at 11:00 A.M at Mt Carmel United Methodist Church with Rev. Josh Newberry and Ted Young officiating. Visitation will being at 10:00 A.M. 

Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel United Methodist church Cemetery.

Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madsion St, Clarksville, TN.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com