News Summary
Richard Anthony West, a respected community leader in Chattanooga, has passed away at the age of 62. Known for his dedication to public service, family, and youth sports, his impact on the city and its residents will be long remembered. His contributions include over four decades as a Recreation Division Manager and 42 years officiating youth sports. A memorial will be held on May 5, 2025, celebrating his life and legacy.
Chattanooga – Richard Anthony West, a prominent community leader and dedicated public servant, passed away at the age of 62 on April 18, 2025. His contributions to the city and his unwavering commitment to family have left a lasting impact on many.
Born on September 3, 1962, to the late Shirley A. Fairbanks and Lee Andrew West, Richard was a beloved figure within the Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church, where he actively participated throughout his life. He was a graduate of the Class of 1980 at Howard High School and furthered his education at Fisk University.
For over four decades, Richard served as a Recreation Division Manager for the City of Chattanooga, where he was instrumental in developing and managing community programs that promoted health, wellness, and recreation. His dedication to youth sports is equally notable, having officiated for 42 years with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA).
Richard’s passing follows the loss of several family members, including his parents, as well as aunts Willie Ruth Douglas, Marion Douglas, Loretta Nash, and Sandra Powell, and uncles Jerry Allen, Percy Allen III, and Charles Stoudemire. Despite this loss, Richard is survived by his loving wife, Melvina H. West, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage.
He is also survived by his four daughters: Crystal Parker-Clay, Keyia (Howard) Stinson, D’Toria (Brandon) Harden, and Kanara (Clinton) Williams, all of Chattanooga. Additionally, his son, Pastor Alvin (Victoria) Parker, Jr. resides in Hermitage, TN. Richard was a proud grandfather to Nicholas, Xavier, Matthew, William, Melvina, Jermaine, and Clinton III, and was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.
Richard is fondly remembered by family and friends for his warm, infectious smile, boisterous laugh, and kind-hearted nature. He has touched many lives through his dedication to public service and his commitment to his family.
For those wishing to pay their respects, Richard’s body will lie in state on May 4, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home in Chattanooga. A celebration of his life will be held on May 5, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church, where Pastor Alvin D. Parker Jr. will officiate. Following the service, interment will take place at Highland Memorial Garden Cemetery, allowing for a final farewell to a dedicated community leader.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Billy Skiles
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Tribute Archive: Ammel Harding Baine III
- Google Search: Richard Anthony West
- Dignity Memorial: Charles Holder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Heritage Funeral Home: Lamar Parker White
- Google News: Public Service Leaders Chattanooga
