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Former mayor of Tullahoma Doyle Richardson passed away this past Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 89-years-old.

Richardson served as mayor from 1986 to 1987, before that serving the public as a well-regarded attorney, President of the Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tullahoma Industrial Board, Coffee County Commissioner, Magistrate of the Coffee County Court, along with multiple other titles. Before finding his way to Tullahoma, Richardson attended college at Vanderbilt University, playing for the football team, even competing in the Gator Bowl of 1955, where Vanderbilt beat Auburn 25-13.

During his time as mayor, Richardson advocated for a “liquor by the drink” referendum that enabled the growth of the community by attracting large restaurants like Applebee’s and Red Lobster to the area. During his 40+ years as a resident Richardson also operated as deacon of the First Christian Church and co-developer of Macon Manor. When not devoting his energy to the growth of the community, Richardson also spent his time as a hog farmer, cattle farmer and the co-owner of a barbecue restaurant.

In recognition of his lifetime contributions to the City of Tullahoma, Richardson was honored by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen when then Mayor Ray Knowis declared July 8, 2024, as “Doyle E. Richardson Day” during his last visit to Tullahoma. Richardson was also honored with Tullahoma’s Community Service award in 1997.

Richardson’s full obituary can be read here.