Dr. Richard Cunningham Crittenden

Dr. Richard Cunningham Crittenden, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, in Birmingham, Alabama, after a long struggle with colon cancer. Richard was born May 31, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee and grew up in Birmingham. He attended Crestline Elementary and Mtn. Brook High School then graduated from Indian Springs School in 1969. He attended Auburn University for two years then graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia in 1973. In addition, he earned a B.S. in nuclear medicine technology in 1978. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama in Birmingham Medical School in 1983 and subsequently became an Associate Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at UAB. A highly respected physician who cared deeply for his patients, Richard practiced internal medicine in the Birmingham area for over 30 years. He is survived by the love of his life, Virginia Miller Crittenden; sons Wink and Cosby (and wife Caitlin); mother, Mrs. Cond Glasgow Feddeman; brothers Tom (and wife Christi) and Malcolm (and wife Kim), sister Constance, and many beloved nieces and nephews. His father was the late Dr. William Cunningham Crittenden. He was active at his church and gave his time and medical expertise volunteering at local free medical clinics. Richard nobly fought multiple myeloma for 17 years, continuing to care for his patients throughout. Always bursting with an abundance of curiosity to learn and master new interests, Richard became an expert cook, gardener, dancer and photographer. He was known for his beautiful first tenor voice and loved to play his guitar. Most of all, Richard loved his family and God. His deeply held religious convictions were defined in the courtesy and kindness with which he treated everyone around him. He was the very definition of a good man. Richard was one of a kind. To those who knew him, it's hard to imagine a world without him. Visitation will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood Friday, January 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Shades Valley Community Church in Homewood on Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salvation Army, the Jimmie Hale Mission, or Northstar Youth Ministries. Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.