Richard Elam Cathey, 72, a Smithville resident and Coffee County native, died March 31 in NHC Healthcare of Smithville following an extended illness.
He was a retired employee of Carrier, member of the Church of Christ and son of the late Samuel Wade and Mattie Lou Harrell Cathey. Mr. Cathey was married to Elaine Jones Cathey, who preceded him in death Nov. 12, 2010. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, J.N., Buddy, Bill & Leon Cathey; sisters, Barbara Cathey and Dot Hollis; and nephews, Preston and Jeff Cathey.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Shawn Washer of Smithville, Jennifer Cathey of White County and Christy and Troy Miles of Chapel Hill; son, Richard E. Cathey Jr., of Warren County; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Jerry Cathey and wife Dot and Don Cathey and wife Martha both of McMinnville; sisters-in-law, Wilma, Emma and Margaret Cathey, all of McMinnville; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Nathan and Rita Jones of Coffee County.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday in High’s Chapel with David McCormick to officiate. Interment will follow at Trousdale Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. Sunday until time of service at High’s. Donations may be made to the Diabetes Foundation, Shriners Hospital, or the Cancer Society.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.