Dr. Richard Byrd French was born September 30, 1926, in Mount Gilead, Ohio, to Helen Robinson and John Byrd. He spent his early childhood in Ohio, then moved to Jackson, Mississippi. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he went to Auburn University Veterinary School. While interning in Elkton, Kentucky, he met and married Patricia Chesnut. Together they moved to Memphis to open a veterinary clinic and raise four children. He eagerly led the family on camping, canoeing, sailing, science, and literature adventures.
A master tinkerer, he particularly enjoyed electronics and metalwork. He spent endless hours in his shop with his sons and grandsons, building everything from pinewood derby racecars to bottle rocket launchers.
His life was marked by many inspiring traits: a strong work ethic, an eagerness to learn, a fervent desire to help his fellowman, and a quick sense of humor. His proud children are Doris and Ransom Jones, Rick and Patricia French, Mike and Cathy French, and John and Barbara French. He also leaves ten grandchildren, (Cary, Trisha, Patrick, Katie, Jessie, Lucas, Mark, Matthew, Rachel, and Rebecca), three great grandchildren, (Marion, Olivia, and Ben), his sister, Barbara Baker, and sweetheart, Ruth Winn, to cherish his memory and tell stories about his amazing life.
Richard passed away on November 19, 2019. Services are scheduled for Saturday, November 30, at Collierville Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Doctors without Borders or the fight against Alzheimer’s.
