Richard Henry Withers

Richard Henry Withers, 84, of Douglasville, Georgia, died peacefully on August 4, 2026. Born July 9, 1942, in Boston to Edward Palmer and Kathryn Henry Withers, he grew up in Decatur, Georgia, with his three younger siblings. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 and wore his Tech pride on polo shirts and ball caps from then on. Richard met his future wife, Sandra Gauntz, while she was attending nearby Emory University, and the couple married on June 15, 1968. They lived happily in Douglasville for more than fifty years and raised their three children.

Richard was an engineer both in vocation and in life. He spent his career in the family business, Withers Tool, Die, & Manufacturing Company, founded by his grandfather nearly a century ago. He truly enjoyed his work and came home sharing stories about giant gears and brakes. The business served customers of every size, but he delighted his young children when he mentioned a name they knew, such as Kellogg’s or Six Flags. He was a patient assistant on every middle-school science project and spoke with genuine enthusiasm for physics and materials science. He taught the value of taking pride in your work by example.

Beyond his work and family, Richard and Sandy were dedicated members of the First United Methodist Church of Douglasville. Richard served in many roles over the years, from Chairman of the Board to youth-group bus driver. He also participated in the Rotary Club, served on Georgia Tech’s scholarship committee, and volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his youth.

Richard loved staying busy and being outside, and nothing made him happier than combining the two. He spent countless hours on the property around their home, clearing trees and brush, and grew bountiful fruit trees and vegetable gardens. He could often be found up at his barn, where he kept several old cars and parts to tinker with. During thunderstorms, he would disappear to a front porch rocking chair to enjoy the show. He was enthusiastic about fishing, hunting, playing golf, visiting national parks, and “swimming in the big pond” (his words) of the Atlantic Ocean. It was even better if the day ended with a cold beer.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sandy. He is survived by his children: Rick (Christine) Withers of Smyrna, Elizabeth (Judson) Flynn of Decatur, and Rachel (Matthew) Bine of Milton; grandchildren: Audrey Flynn, Sadie Flynn, Hadley Withers, Andrew Bine, and Emily Bine; brother Stephen (Angela) Withers of Windermere, Florida; sister Susan McDonald of Queensland, Australia; and brother Nelson (Kate) Withers of Kennesaw.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on August 17, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Douglasville. A reception will follow the service at the church’s Huffine Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Douglasville in his memory.