Richard Howard Sailors (Dick Sailors)

Richard Howard Sailors (“Dick Sailors”) of Pulaski, TN passed away at home on February 4, 2026 at age 86. He was born in La Fountaine, Indiana in 1939. Richard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He attended Purdue University where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees. He later earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked as a metallurgical engineer in heavy manufacturing / mining industries for over 50 years and held a professional engineers license for several decades.  He had multiple failed attempts at retiring but finally succeeded in 2024.  He was active in the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, the legacy Pulaski District of United Methodist Church, and the legacy Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.  He served as a laity leader at the local and district levels. He met his wife Patricia while both worked for Caterpillar, Inc. They were married for 58 years at the time of his death.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, TN.  A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. 

Richard was proceeded in death by his parents, Howard R and Marie Sailors (Faust), his sisters Jean Wylie and Jackie Sullivan, and his in-laws James and Maye Biggs.

He is survived by
His wife, Patricia Sailors of Pulaski, TN 
Son, R. Matthew Sailors (Rhonda) of Gainesville, FL 
Daughter, Megan (Andy) Lewter of Martin, TN 
Grandsons, Andrew and Mitchell Lewter of Martin, TN and Ian and Sean Sailors of Gainesville, FL