Richard Mason Gooch, 94, of Sparta, passed away Aug. 17, 2025, at Life Care of Sparta on what would have been his 65th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary Jane, who preceded him in death
Richard was born April 22, 1931, in Nashville, to 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 Sparta First United Methodist Church, as well as Sparta Rotary Club.
In addition to his parents, Richard was 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; and grandson, William Hampton Gooch.
A celebration of his life will be 1 p.m., Aug. 23, 2025, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Highland Cemetery. Pastor Amber Armistead of the First United Methodist Church will officiate. Visitation with the family will begin noon-1 p.m., Aug. 23, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to be made to St. Jude, as Richard and Mary Jane were long-time supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
