Wednesday, August 23, 2023 10:44 am

Richard Tessnear, age 89, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Richard was born February 15, 1934 in Rutherford County to the late Emmett Tessnear and Laura Dobbins Tessnear. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the Korean War. Richard worked most of his life for Duke Power before retirement in 1991. He was a past member of Spencer Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Gary Tessnear and Baxter "Bud" Tessnear and sister, Doris Tessnear Miller.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Aileen C. Tessnear; son and caretaker, Jeff Tessnear of Forest City; sisters, Myrtle Robbins (Bill) of Six Points and Wanda Woodard (Dr. Jerry Woodard) of Wilson, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service was held August 18 at Harrelson Funeral Chapel. Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Memorial donations requested to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, www.stjude.org

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.