Franklin – Richard Lewis “Dick” Tawney, 77, widower of Gail Hall Tawney, passed away November 21, 2011. Born in Richwood, W. Va., he was a son of the late William Lewis and Geneva Husk Tawney. An army veteran, he was a graduate of the University of Florida School of Forestry and was retired from the Woodlands Division of Union Camp Corporation. Mr. Tawney was a longtime Mason, Shriner and former Boy Scout leader. He was an active member of High Street United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Michael K. Tawney and wife, Meg, of Dunnsville, Va. and William P. Tawney and wife, Janice, of Salem, Va.; two sisters, Sharon T. Fields of Greensboro, NC and Sheila Kay Tawney of Petersburg; three grandchildren, Shea Tawney, Jordan Belle Tawney and William P. Tawney, Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Dakota and George and special friends, Judy Smith and family.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 in the chapel of Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Susan Reaves officiating. The family will receive friends following the service and suggests memorials be made to High Street United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.