Richard Mason Gooch, age 94, of Sparta, TN, passed away on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at Life Care of Sparta, on what would have been his 65th wedding anniversary to his late wife, Mary Jane.

Richard was born April 22, 1931 in Nashville, TN to the late Hampton Mason Gooch and Jessie Marie Longcoy Gooch. After graduating from White County High School in 1950, Richard attended Tennessee Technology University. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and received his Bachelors of Science in Biology in 1954. In 1957, Richard earned his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee School of Pharmacology, where he was the Vice President of his class. In addition to his prestigious academic career, Richard also proudly served in the United States Army. He completed his military service with the Medical Service Corp as a 1st Lieutenant in 1962. Richard went on to serve the citizens of Sparta as a pharmacist at Gooch Drug Store for many years, in addition to various pharmacies throughout his retirement years. He was a longtime member of the Sparta First United Methodist Church, as well as Sparta Rotary Club.

In addition to his parents, Richard is also preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Jane Horan Gooch.

Richard is lovingly survived by his children and their families:

Daughter Miriam Gooch Anslinger and husband Steve
Son Roy Gooch and wife Amy
Grandson Mason Hollis Gooch and wife Brianna
Granddaughter Reagan Michelle Gooch Van Scoyoc and husband William
Grandson William Hampton Gooch

A celebration of his life will be held at Hunter Funeral Home at 1pm, Saturday, August 23, 2025. Visitation with the family will begin at noon at Hunter Funeral Home. Pastor Amber Armistead of the First United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow immediately at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to St. Jude, as Richard and Mary Jane were long-time supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.