Julian Richard Waggoner, Jr.
October 31, 1932 -
April 3, 2019

Visitation

April 5, 2019
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service 

April 6, 2019
11:00 AM

Interment

Obituary

Funeral service for Julian Richard Waggoner, Jr., age 86, of Fayetteville, TN will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, April, 6, 2019 at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tom Russell and Bro. Don Hudson officiating. Burial will follow in the Lynchburg Cemetery.

Richard was born on October 31, 1932 on the family farm in Mulberry, TN to the late Julian Richard Waggoner, Sr. and Summers Edene Curlee Waggoner. Mr. Waggoner served in the United States Army during the Korean War, was superintendent of the Lincoln County Schools and a member of the Washington Street Church of Christ. He was a member of the Moore County, TN Historical Society, Lincoln County Historical Society, the TN Educators Association, and Fayetteville Kawanis Club. Mr. Waggoner was known as a Preacher, Educator, and Missionary, leading several mission trips to Africa, Central America and Russia. Richard passed away on April 3, 2019 at Huntsville Hospital.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Cheryl Louise Smith Waggoner; daughters, Lorie Waggoner (David) French of Zambia, Africa and Lisa Thomas (Charles) Harrison of Franklin, KY; son, Dr. Julian Richard (Jennifer) Waggoner, III “Rich” of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren, Jonathan French, Stephen French, Kerin Ann (Sam) Mashekwa, Natasha Cutberth, Hannah (Steven) Eakes, Adam (Amy) Harrison, Travis (Jennifer) Harrison, Betsy (Vineet) Patel, Katie (Mat) Ransdell, Emily, Levi, Julian IV “Will”, Larissa, Bailey, Lucas, Danny, Logan and Nichole; great-grandchildren, Gabby, Susann, Zainne, Hazel Rose, Likando, Nalukena Lorie, Cole, Evie, Collins, Kira, Grant, and Hunter; and sisters, Martha Jean (Joe) Legate of Nashville, TN and Rachel Ann (Bob) Simmons of Franklin, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Willella Littrell Waggoner.

Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zambia Missions, C/O Kerin’s Kids, 1910 Sycamore View Rd Bartlett, TN 38134. Higgins is honored to be serving the family of Julian Richard Waggoner, Jr.

Video Services

34 Comments

  1. Judy Young

    Cheryl,
    We just heard of Richard’s death. We are thinking of you and the entire family. What a legacy of love. He was a special man.

    Reply
  2. Paul Wright

    He was a Christian, Preacher & wore many hats, he would visit my Dad at Donalson, before he passed away he will be sorely missed.

    Reply
  3. Julie Clark Gage

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Waggoner was the principal at Petersburg Elementary School when I was in 7th grade. That year the entire school put on the play The Wizard of Oz. It never would have happened without Mr. Waggoner. There were many obstacles that got in the way, but he was determined that we would have our show. He even brought in the high school music teacher who told him we weren’t up for the challenge, but Mr. Waggoner believed in us and we went on to have the biggest and best school production I was ever involved in. I am thankful to this day for his encouragement and kindness.

    Reply
  4. Lorry (Lori) Hill Anderton

    I know the Angel’s are singing in heaven because they have gained a new angel. I have known Brother Richard most of my life. He was our preacher when I was younger and you could not look for a more religious man. He and his family always have been like family. He has been there for so many things in our life. To cheryl, Lisa, Lori and richie I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for your loss but find comfort that you sweet dad will be waiting in heaven along with your mom for you all

    Reply
  5. Nancy Maddox Curry

    Mr. Waggoner was my principal, my mentor, my friend. He was extremely bright, hard working, kind, and cared about the children. He was the most forward thinking and innovative educator I ever had the privilege of working with. He believed in me and challenged me to think beyond the traditional to try new and innovative approaches. I am better for having known him as are so many others. He has left a legacy like no other. Prayers for peace and grace as you mourn his loss.

    Reply
  6. Evelyn Askins Brown

    Many special memories of Richard, a Godly man. May all find comfort in knowing his earthly life was well lived.

    Reply
  7. Douglas Kilgore

    Cheryl, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  8. Shirlene Dixon

    Cheryl and family, so sorry for your loss, but happy for Heaven gain of an awesome angel. Richard has worked hard here on earth, he was tired and the Lord said son your work here on earth is done and it is time to return to me and rest. Know he is at peace not hurting anymore. He will be missed by many because he had lots of friends and he was lived by many. May God give each family member and friend peace and comfort during this time and know that Richard loves us all and he is at peace.

    Reply
  9. Benny King

    Loved and respected Richard. I enjoyed the time I worked with him.

    Reply
  10. Jim and Shirley Steelman

    Cheryl, Shirley and I witnessed first hand your love, faithfulness, and care for Richard in your twenty four years of marriage, and especially in these last few years as his health failed. Our prayers go out for you and all of Richard’s family. Thank God Richard was given us for so long.

    Reply
  11. Connie Mccuiston

    Mr. Waggoner was a dear friend to me. I loved and highly respected him as my late father, Thurman Cobb, also did. He was there for me professionally when I taught school & came into the classroom with all kinds of interesting and fun materials for the children. He wanted learning to be enjoyable. For a couple of years we sold worldbooks together going door to door. What fun that was! His passion was his missionary work especially for Zambia. He taught the men about Jesus and how to help teach their own people with the school he started there.. Each time we visited that was what he wanted to talk about. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a dear friend, and I will miss him greatly.

    Reply
  12. Winston Tipps

    Praying dearly for all the family. What a great Christian man who will be missed but now enjoying rest from his labors for Christ. Conflicts keep us away but Leanne & I are praying for you.

    Reply
  13. Connie Beddingfield

    So sorry to hear this. Me. Wagoner was my principle at Lincoln School when it Burned. My prayers are with the family!

    Reply
  14. Walter and Kathy George, Bobby and Laura Bailey

    Our Mother and Father, Joe and Tommie Hall thought the world of Mr Waggoner and the entire family their entire lives as do we all. He has touched so many lives through his Christianity and Love for our Heavenly Father and the Church. I know you take comfort in knowing that he is in a much better place now. That place he taught so many people about. May God be with you all in the days to come. In Christian Love….

    Reply
    • Bob and Wanda Williams

      Lisa, Lorie(David) and Cheryl, Bob and I have been out of town and came home to find out about your great loss. Brother Richard gave so much to Lincoln County in his many capacities of expertise, but his greatest in serving the Lord and His church. We pray peace and comfort for all of you and your families. We sure missed him when he could no longer attend the First Sunday Singings. The Williamses have all loved your families all the way back to your grandparents. We love you all.

      Reply
  15. Laura Bell Speer

    Lorie – So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  16. Holly Bennett

    So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Janet Gray

    So sorry for your lost. I worked with him in the Title I reading program. He was very passionate about his work and lived the children. He will be missed.

    Reply
  18. Vicki Witherspoon

    Lorie sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are out of town at this time. I know through you what a great man and father he was. I am so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  19. Deanna Faulkner Phelps

    Mr. Waggoner was always there for our family – he has a special place in our hearts… so many memories… I’m so sorry for your loss but he is happy in heaven right now I’m sure. The whole Waggoner family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Deanna

    Reply
  20. RebeccaRussell & Ernie Blunkall

    I am sorry for your loss and my sympathy to all of you. My brother is Tom Russell and Tommy (as I call him) has often talked to me about the influence Mr. Waggoner had on his life and their friendship. Tommy will miss him. God’s comfort to all.

    Reply
  21. David Kinser

    Was a good man my principle at Highland Rim so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  22. Priscilla Henderson Jones

    Lisa, Lorie, and Rich – how blessed you are to have loved such a wonderful earthly father who taught you and thousands more about the eternal, heavenly Father. Even with the heartbreak of goodbye, we are praying for God’s peace to cover your hearts and those of your family. With love and prayers.

    Reply
  23. Clarence Kirby

    Lisa and family , Thinking of you
    Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, may God Bless and comfort you in days ahead
    We love you and family
    In Christian Love
    Clarence and Gay

    Reply
  24. John & Doris Harwell & Emily H Brady

    The Waggoner family has always been so special to us. Much love to all of you during this time. Richard will be so missed. Thinking of your family during this time.

    Reply
  25. Renea Thomas

    Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad’s life is such an example of Christ’s love for us. I am thankful you all have the assurance of knowing he is with our Heavenly Father now. Love you

    Reply
  26. Ken Pamplin

    Mr. Waggoner was the principal at Lincoln Grade School when it burned in 1976. He did an awesome job transitioning us to another location to finish out the year. I was in the 8th grade and we had our grade school graduation at the old school site. I thought a lot of him and his first wife who also taught at the school. She introduced me to Scrabble and I still love it to this day. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

    Reply
  27. Anne Beddingfield

    Sam and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family. We pray for peace and comfort during this most difficult time.

    Reply
  28. Mary Partin

    Lori & families, we are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless You All. Mary, Teresa Partin, Willie C McGehee, Billy McGehee.

    Reply
  29. Rev Fonda Blair

    Mr. Waggoner was a great leader and educator. He led our.schook system with integrity and exemplary dedication. I was one of the first women principals chosen to serve Lincoln County and was honored to be chosen by him. . He and his first wife were awesome. He touched.many lives and made.many decisions to affect many students lives and teachers which will reflect into eternity. He will be greatly missed I am sure by everyone. Praying for all of the family left behind and God’s peace and strength for the days ahead.

    Reply
  30. Roy A. Moyers, Jr. or Buddy

    Praying for ALL of Richards Family at this time. We were in school together but I left many years ago and lost contact with so many friends. So sorry for your Loss

    Reply
  31. Wanda Preston

    Lisa, thinking of you eith love and prayers.

    Reply
  32. Wanda Shelton

    I am so sorry for your loss. I won’t be able to see you at the visitation, but know that I am thinking of your family and sending my love. He never hesitated to take on a challenge and he was passionate about the children he worked with in our schools.

    Reply
    • Cheryl

      Many thanks for your thoughts..yes, his heart was definitely with the work he did with the school system, children and education etc.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

34 Comments

  1. Judy Young

    Cheryl,
    We just heard of Richard’s death. We are thinking of you and the entire family. What a legacy of love. He was a special man.

    Reply
  2. Paul Wright

    He was a Christian, Preacher & wore many hats, he would visit my Dad at Donalson, before he passed away he will be sorely missed.

    Reply
  3. Julie Clark Gage

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Waggoner was the principal at Petersburg Elementary School when I was in 7th grade. That year the entire school put on the play The Wizard of Oz. It never would have happened without Mr. Waggoner. There were many obstacles that got in the way, but he was determined that we would have our show. He even brought in the high school music teacher who told him we weren’t up for the challenge, but Mr. Waggoner believed in us and we went on to have the biggest and best school production I was ever involved in. I am thankful to this day for his encouragement and kindness.

    Reply
  4. Lorry (Lori) Hill Anderton

    I know the Angel’s are singing in heaven because they have gained a new angel. I have known Brother Richard most of my life. He was our preacher when I was younger and you could not look for a more religious man. He and his family always have been like family. He has been there for so many things in our life. To cheryl, Lisa, Lori and richie I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for your loss but find comfort that you sweet dad will be waiting in heaven along with your mom for you all

    Reply
  5. Nancy Maddox Curry

    Mr. Waggoner was my principal, my mentor, my friend. He was extremely bright, hard working, kind, and cared about the children. He was the most forward thinking and innovative educator I ever had the privilege of working with. He believed in me and challenged me to think beyond the traditional to try new and innovative approaches. I am better for having known him as are so many others. He has left a legacy like no other. Prayers for peace and grace as you mourn his loss.

    Reply
  6. Evelyn Askins Brown

    Many special memories of Richard, a Godly man. May all find comfort in knowing his earthly life was well lived.

    Reply
  7. Douglas Kilgore

    Cheryl, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  8. Shirlene Dixon

    Cheryl and family, so sorry for your loss, but happy for Heaven gain of an awesome angel. Richard has worked hard here on earth, he was tired and the Lord said son your work here on earth is done and it is time to return to me and rest. Know he is at peace not hurting anymore. He will be missed by many because he had lots of friends and he was lived by many. May God give each family member and friend peace and comfort during this time and know that Richard loves us all and he is at peace.

    Reply
  9. Benny King

    Loved and respected Richard. I enjoyed the time I worked with him.

    Reply
  10. Jim and Shirley Steelman

    Cheryl, Shirley and I witnessed first hand your love, faithfulness, and care for Richard in your twenty four years of marriage, and especially in these last few years as his health failed. Our prayers go out for you and all of Richard’s family. Thank God Richard was given us for so long.

    Reply
  11. Connie Mccuiston

    Mr. Waggoner was a dear friend to me. I loved and highly respected him as my late father, Thurman Cobb, also did. He was there for me professionally when I taught school & came into the classroom with all kinds of interesting and fun materials for the children. He wanted learning to be enjoyable. For a couple of years we sold worldbooks together going door to door. What fun that was! His passion was his missionary work especially for Zambia. He taught the men about Jesus and how to help teach their own people with the school he started there.. Each time we visited that was what he wanted to talk about. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a dear friend, and I will miss him greatly.

    Reply
  12. Winston Tipps

    Praying dearly for all the family. What a great Christian man who will be missed but now enjoying rest from his labors for Christ. Conflicts keep us away but Leanne & I are praying for you.

    Reply
  13. Connie Beddingfield

    So sorry to hear this. Me. Wagoner was my principle at Lincoln School when it Burned. My prayers are with the family!

    Reply
  14. Walter and Kathy George, Bobby and Laura Bailey

    Our Mother and Father, Joe and Tommie Hall thought the world of Mr Waggoner and the entire family their entire lives as do we all. He has touched so many lives through his Christianity and Love for our Heavenly Father and the Church. I know you take comfort in knowing that he is in a much better place now. That place he taught so many people about. May God be with you all in the days to come. In Christian Love….

    Reply
    • Bob and Wanda Williams

      Lisa, Lorie(David) and Cheryl, Bob and I have been out of town and came home to find out about your great loss. Brother Richard gave so much to Lincoln County in his many capacities of expertise, but his greatest in serving the Lord and His church. We pray peace and comfort for all of you and your families. We sure missed him when he could no longer attend the First Sunday Singings. The Williamses have all loved your families all the way back to your grandparents. We love you all.

      Reply
  15. Laura Bell Speer

    Lorie – So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  16. Holly Bennett

    So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Janet Gray

    So sorry for your lost. I worked with him in the Title I reading program. He was very passionate about his work and lived the children. He will be missed.

    Reply
  18. Vicki Witherspoon

    Lorie sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are out of town at this time. I know through you what a great man and father he was. I am so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  19. Deanna Faulkner Phelps

    Mr. Waggoner was always there for our family – he has a special place in our hearts… so many memories… I’m so sorry for your loss but he is happy in heaven right now I’m sure. The whole Waggoner family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Deanna

    Reply
  20. RebeccaRussell & Ernie Blunkall

    I am sorry for your loss and my sympathy to all of you. My brother is Tom Russell and Tommy (as I call him) has often talked to me about the influence Mr. Waggoner had on his life and their friendship. Tommy will miss him. God’s comfort to all.

    Reply
  21. David Kinser

    Was a good man my principle at Highland Rim so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  22. Priscilla Henderson Jones

    Lisa, Lorie, and Rich – how blessed you are to have loved such a wonderful earthly father who taught you and thousands more about the eternal, heavenly Father. Even with the heartbreak of goodbye, we are praying for God’s peace to cover your hearts and those of your family. With love and prayers.

    Reply
  23. Clarence Kirby

    Lisa and family , Thinking of you
    Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, may God Bless and comfort you in days ahead
    We love you and family
    In Christian Love
    Clarence and Gay

    Reply
  24. John & Doris Harwell & Emily H Brady

    The Waggoner family has always been so special to us. Much love to all of you during this time. Richard will be so missed. Thinking of your family during this time.

    Reply
  25. Renea Thomas

    Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad’s life is such an example of Christ’s love for us. I am thankful you all have the assurance of knowing he is with our Heavenly Father now. Love you

    Reply
  26. Ken Pamplin

    Mr. Waggoner was the principal at Lincoln Grade School when it burned in 1976. He did an awesome job transitioning us to another location to finish out the year. I was in the 8th grade and we had our grade school graduation at the old school site. I thought a lot of him and his first wife who also taught at the school. She introduced me to Scrabble and I still love it to this day. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

    Reply
  27. Anne Beddingfield

    Sam and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family. We pray for peace and comfort during this most difficult time.

    Reply
  28. Mary Partin

    Lori & families, we are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless You All. Mary, Teresa Partin, Willie C McGehee, Billy McGehee.

    Reply
  29. Rev Fonda Blair

    Mr. Waggoner was a great leader and educator. He led our.schook system with integrity and exemplary dedication. I was one of the first women principals chosen to serve Lincoln County and was honored to be chosen by him. . He and his first wife were awesome. He touched.many lives and made.many decisions to affect many students lives and teachers which will reflect into eternity. He will be greatly missed I am sure by everyone. Praying for all of the family left behind and God’s peace and strength for the days ahead.

    Reply
  30. Roy A. Moyers, Jr. or Buddy

    Praying for ALL of Richards Family at this time. We were in school together but I left many years ago and lost contact with so many friends. So sorry for your Loss

    Reply
  31. Wanda Preston

    Lisa, thinking of you eith love and prayers.

    Reply
  32. Wanda Shelton

    I am so sorry for your loss. I won’t be able to see you at the visitation, but know that I am thinking of your family and sending my love. He never hesitated to take on a challenge and he was passionate about the children he worked with in our schools.

    Reply
    • Cheryl

      Many thanks for your thoughts..yes, his heart was definitely with the work he did with the school system, children and education etc.

      Reply

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