Richard Leon Billmyer

March 3, 1941 — February 26, 2024

Clarksville

Richard Leon Billmyer, born in Cumberland, MD, March 3, 1941, died at the Tennessee State Veterans Home on February 26, 2024, in Clarksville, TN. He was raised in Clarksville by his parents, John “Jack” Blaker, army veteran and Red Cross aid worker and Nellie Blaker, lifelong Red Cross volunteer. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1960. Richard was a U.S. Army veteran and combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He served as a combat medic with the 1st Infantry Division, “The Big Red One” in 1965.

He married his wife, Shelby Jean Flynn, February 9, 1969, in Maryville, TN. He obtained his undergraduate, master’s degree and Ed. D. from Austin Peay State University. He was a career educator and mentor, shaping young minds at Byrnes Darden Elementary School, Norman Smith Elementary School, Northeast High School, and Northeast Middle School, serving in numerous positions as an educator, teacher and principal. Richard and Shelby’s only child, Heather Catherine Mae Billmyer, was born April 12, 1977, in Clarksville, TN. Richard was an engaged member of his community, participating for years as a member of the St. Bethlehem chapter of the Civitan organization and attended First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville. He was an honorary Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leader for his fundraising efforts. He loved to garden and maintain his lawn as well as watch British television programs.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Shelby Billmyer; parents, John “Jack” Blaker and Nellie Blaker; and brother, Ronald (Margaret) Billmyer. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (James Davis) Billmyer; nephews, Ronald Billmyer, Jr. and John Richard (Angela) Billmyer; niece, Joy (Walker) Shell; and sister-in-law, Ina Charles Roberson of Greenback, TN.

There will not be a service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes or the American Red Cross.

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Richard Leon Billmyer

March 3, 1941 — February 26, 2024

Clarksville

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