Dr. Michael Richards

Dr. Michael Renyard Richards, professer emeritus, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, with his wife, Julie, by his side. He was born in New York, 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 his 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, Minn., Eleanor (Ted) Vallejos, of San Diego, Calif., Rachel Richards, of Portland, Ore.; three granddaughters, Sara Jane Landry, of Chattanooga, Adele "Addie" Effron and Emma Rose Effron, of Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a longtime 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, Fla. He was also an avid gardener and landscaper. He is known to have re-established the Shakespeare Garden at UTC. "Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince. And flights of angels 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 2 p.m. today in Chattanooga National Cemetery with the Rev. John Talbird officiating. Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37409, 821-7551.