Richard Allen Hires, 71 of Tennessee and formerly of New Jersey, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Valparaiso, IN. He was born on January 12, 1952 in Mannington Township, NJ to William and Mildred (Raines) Hires. Receiving two bachelors, one from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, and the other from Penn State in State College, PA, he made his career as a Civil Design Engineer which eventual led him to work for Bechtel Construction for over 10 years. He was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast and was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Sweetwater, TN. Over the years, his faith in Jesus Christ became more and more important. He expressed clear, unwavering faith in the Lord. He was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle who will be deeply missed.
On December 31, 1991, Richard married Peggy Nelson, who preceded him in death on August 7, 2021.
Survivors include children, Amanda (Corey) Parrish, Jason (Sarah) Kopacko, Allison, Jessica, and Pam Hires; grandchildren, Lily, Nehemiah, Isaac, Titus, and Micah Parrish, and Colin, Jesse, and Piper Kopacko; brother, Steve (Liz) Hires; nephew, Benjamin (Tina) Hires; niece, Mary (Brian) Hires; and beloved dog, Ally. He was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Rosemarie Parrish.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. CST, at Killen Methodist Church, 201 J C Mauldin Hwy, Killen, AL 35645, with Pastor Bryan McIntyre officiating. Richard will be interred with his wife at Hale Cemetery in Killen, AL.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name.
