David Union Richards III

David Union Richards, III, age 76, resident of Somerville, Tennessee, departed this life Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

David was born March 9, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Union Richards, Jr. and Helen Casper Richards. His family later moved to Miami, Florida where he spent most of his youth freediving in the ocean and competitive swimming. As a result, later earning a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, earning a BS degree in business. In his free time, he learned to fly sail planes/glivers and small single engine aicraft, eventually receiving his private pilot's license. Later, he pursued an aviation career working in various positions before landing his dream job as an aircraft dispatcher which was his profession up until he retired in 2013.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, working in the yard, caring for the animals and goats he raised, planting and tending to his vegetable garden and working out in the gym. Dave's unwavering resolve was an inspiration as he fought every battle to the finish.

David is survived by his children, David Richards IV and John Richards; his sister, Carol-Ann Ceasar; and many other extended family members.