Richard Staley

STALEY, Richard Phillips, age 80, of Hendersonville. Passed away January 5, 2008 at St. Thomas Hospital after a seven year struggle with heart failure. Richard was born in Centerville, Iowa on March 22, 1927 to Faye and Bonnie Staley, who preceded him in death. Richard had a long and distinguished career with the Department of Justice, U.S. Border Patrol. He always considered himself fortunate to have found a job that he loved and enjoyed so passionately. After his retirement, he continued on in the private corrections business until he was sidelined by his health problems. While his successful career was very admirable, the way Richard lived his life was our greatest inspiration. No matter how tough the road he was a true "survivor." He never complained but was so grateful for each day and managed to encourage and uplift everyone around him with his humor, joyful spirit, and support. He was a true Chief and Commander and will be dearly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, the love of his life, daughters; Suzanne Harger, Robin Foster Dan, Rebekah Staley, Holly Burwell Howard, son Chris Fabac Rachel, grandchildren; William Harger, Ashley Foster, Jordon Foster, Olivia Foster, D.J. Staley, Savannah Davenport, Haleigh Fabac, and Mallory Davenport. Also important to Richard were his best friend, Bill Paul, and Chip Smith, whom he thought of as a son. We wish to thank St. Thomas Hospital, specifically Dr. Douglas Pearce and Dianne Davenport, who worked tirelessly on Richard's behalf, and the Heart Failure Clinic, The Heart Group, Cardiac Rehab, and ward 4A staff for their outstanding care and support of Richard-you gave us the gift of time and we will forever be grateful. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 from 6-8 P.M. at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Hendersonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the American Heart Association, the Nashville Rescue Mission, or the U.S. Border Patrol Museum, El Paso, Texas. HENDERSONVILLE MEMORY GARDENS AND FUNERAL HOME, 353 East Main St. Hendersonville, TN 37075. 615824-3855 www.harpethhills.com