Richard Arthur Almond, 70, of Florence passed away on July 2, 2026 after an extended illness.
Rick was born on July 6, 1955 to the late Lawrence H. Almond, Jr. and Ann Cullom Arthur Almond. He was raised in Muscle Shoals and graduated in 1973 from Muscle Shoals High School. He attended Auburn University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1978.
While Rick was a student at Auburn, he began his working career as a co-op for Tennessee Valley Authority in Muscle Shoals. Upon graduation, Rick rejoined TVA where he remained for nearly 40 years. Rick had a distinguished career that frequently took him out of the Tennessee Valley to projects in locations such as Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada, Oahu, Hawaii and abroad to Port Said, Egypt and Cardiff, Wales.
In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by his grandparents, his beloved in-laws, Clyde and Ossie Holder and his sister, Nancy Elizabeth Almond
Rick married his wife of 43 years, the former Jane Holder, on April 2, 1983. They had one daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Almond Rader (Aaron) and Rick was looking forward to becoming a grandfather in the fall. Rick is also survived by his brother, Mark Sidney Almond of Springville, AL.
Rick was known for his meticulousness and attention to detail professionally, but also personally. He maintained a large saltwater aquarium for over 20 years, performed the majority of his vehicle maintenance and was known for his immaculate lawn. Many people knew his home simply due to his lawn.
Rick was extremely well-traveled. He visited 48 states and numerous countries. His love of travel and his aquarium were combined with a family vacation to Australia to see many of the fish he loved in the wild.
Rick was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps at Auburn and was a season ticket holder for many years. He lived the Auburn Creed, but most notably had “a spirit that is not afraid” as he navigated many challenges in his life.
We will celebrate Rick’s life on Monday, July 6th at Greenview Funeral Home with a visitation from 9 to 11, the funeral immediately following in the chapel and internment at the graveside. Randy Weatherington and Gary Jester will conduct the services. Pallbearers will be Blake Edwards, Rob Gullett, Gary Jester, Chris O’Steen, Mike O’Steen and Chip Rasch.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Lyman Mitchell, Dr. Ebrahim Khan and Dr. Maria Caravedo along with the staff of the Mitchell-Hollingsworth Rehabilitation unit and the ladies of Sitting Sisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to Christ Methodist Church of Florence, Alabama or to St. Jude.
