Richard Hope Vail, 78, of Clayton, passed away Oct. 19, 2021.
Richard was born the third child of seven to the late Benners Brassfield Vail Jr. and the late Charlotte Elizabeth Mimms Vail on Aug. 20, 1943, in Alabama. He was an avid outdoorsman, who entertained many hobbies including fast cars, motorcycles, photography, and art. His fondness of animals was notable. Richard was a proud U.S. Army veteran who held a degree in Aircraft mechanic from Embry-Riddle and attended life Chiropractic College earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He made it his life’s mission to serve his community and help others. Above all, Richard loved his family and prioritized spending time with them. He embodied a free spirit and lived his life accordingly.
His survivors include his loving wife, Linda Taylor Vail, of the home; his stepson, Darrell Jones of Clayton; his stepdaughter, Alana Dickerson (Clay) of Clayton; two grandchildren, Caylin Dickerson and Caden Dickerson; three brothers, Benners B Vail III, James M. Vail and John M. Vail; three sisters, Patricia L Vail Peavy, Elizabeth Ellen Vail and Mary Vail Floyd; two half-brothers, Robert Vail and Jeff Vail; one half-sister, Dody Vail Sparks; two stepsisters, Susan Stanford and Peggy Dring Stewart; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service will be held at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Richard’s memory to Tallulah Falls Baptist Church (P.O. Box 274, Turnerville, Ga. 30580) or to the Rabun Paws 4 Life Foundation (P.O. Box 216, Clayton, GA 30525).
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call (706) 782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.