R.K. Fletcher

Dr. Richard Kenard Fletcher, Jr., Professor emeritus Tennessee Technological University died Friday, February 3, 2023. The family will have visitation from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, February 18 with a Celebration of Life following at 3 pm at Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. He will be interred at Oak Hill Union Church Cemetery in Paris, Tennessee.

Richard Kenard Fletcher, Jr. was born in Zion, Arkansas on January 16, 1937. His parents were Richard Kenard Fletcher, Sr. and Susan Elizabeth Wiles Fletcher. He attended grades one through four at the Zion School then was bused to Melbourne Schools until he completed grade seven. He moved from Zion to a farm in 1950 and attended Sidney Schools until he graduated as valedictorian of his class from Sidney high school in 1955. After graduating from high school, he worked his way through college in Batesville while attending Arkansas College (now Lyon College) for four years graduating in 1959 with majors in mathematics and chemistry.

He began a teaching career that fall at Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Missouri. His career ended as a professor at Tennessee Technological University in 2007. On that path he taught at Campbell High School in Campbell, Missouri, Carlisle County High School in Bardwell, Kentucky, Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Kentucky, The Laboratory School at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, and Tennessee Technological University from 1971 until 2007. He attended The University of Arkansas (Summer 1960), The University of Mississippi (Summer 1962), Murray State University 1961 - 1968 where he completed the M.A. Degree in 1963 plus additional coursework, and the University of Virginia where he completed the doctorate in Science Education in 1971. His high school teaching included chemistry, physics, general science, and mathematics. His college teaching included survey courses in the physical sciences, science education, mathematics education, environmental education, computer education, and educational research and statistical methods. His leadership roles at Tennessee Tech included Co-director of the Educational Conference for area teachers, Director of the College of Education Learning Resources Center, and Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

He gave his complete adult life to giving by assisting hundreds of individuals with academic and research problems while teaching in high school and college settings. He was also active as a teacher of Sunday school for most of his adult life.

His professional and social ties included many memberships and activities including leadership roles in several of the following. He joined and served in the Army Reserve. He served in Phi Delta Kappa, Tennessee Science Teachers groups, Tennessee Environmental Education Association, National Science Teachers Association, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, Association for the Education of Teachers of Science, Tennessee Academy of Sciences, Tennessee and Kentucky Education Associations, National Education Association, Computer Resources Center for Tennessee Technological University, and Tennessee Computer Education group. He was active in the Cookeville Kiwanis Club for several years.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Marcia Ann Compton Fletcher. Their marriage lasted almost 60 years. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Lois Elizabeth Foote (John), Richard Irl Fletcher (Lisa), Nancy Elaine Stubblefield (Jim), and Virginia Ann Moore (Richard). He was blessed with eight grandchildren (Laura Foote Thompson, Andrew Paul Foote, Daniel Fletcher Foote, Samantha Christine Fletcher, Michael Colton Fletcher, Katherine Elizabeth Stubblefield, Margaret Anne Stubblefield, and Christian Charles Moore) and one great grandchild (Eliza Jane Foote). They were the joy of his life accomplishing much and seldom, if ever, disappointing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the following funds at Tennessee Technological University (https://www.tntech.edu/univadv/giving/online-giving.php).

1. The R.K. and Marcia Fletcher Scholarship Endowment

2. The Marvin Tidwell Science/Engineering Fair

3. The Education Technology Fund

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com.