John Richard Fountain (“Dick Fountain”)

John Richard Fountain (“Dick Fountain”) passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday July 31, 2024. Seventy-eight years earlier he was born on that same homestead to Jennie Mae Vaughn and Joseph Francis Fountain. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Nick Fountain and both of his parents. He leaves behind a legacy and many loving family members including: his wife of 52 plus years, Linda Charlene Deaver Fountain; his siblings Jane Martin and older brother Joseph Francis Fountain, II; his four children: John Richard Fountain, II (wife Nicole Fountain), Jenny Lynn Fountain, Janie Lea McNutt (husband Michael McNutt), and Joy Lorinda Tarpley (husband Brion Tarpley); his best friend and who he considered his son, Jay Bostick; thirteen grandchildren, one great grandchild and another on the way.

Dick will forever be remembered as the rock of his family, a leader, an over comer and a man of his own. He was never swayed by popular opinion, politics, dogma, financial status, social status, or societal pressure. He lived a full, colorful and adventurous life. Through all his adventures, misadventures and calamities, he always kept his maker and moral compass in the forefront. Along with his loving wife, Charlene, he modeled resilience, tolerance and compassion. He instilled a love of God, nature, family, and animals in all he knew and loved. He lived and taught his loved ones that you have two choices when life knocks you down: complain and wallow in your sorrows or get to work changing the situation. His moto was do not be a victim of your circumstances and never be a passenger in your own life. God will show you how to find the ingredients and the recipe, but it is up to you to make the cake. He carried that sentiment with him throughout life and certainly during his two tours of military service during the Vietnam War and the ensuing political and social aftermath. He was a true hero that could do and overcome anything thrown his way.

He had the sense of humor of Chevy Chase, the confidence, grit, and masculinity of Clint Eastwood and the compassion and sensitivity of Robert Redford. Humanity has lost a great man but he will live on as he returns to the dust, the wind, and the water. May he live eternally in the hearts and minds of those that he knew and loved. Let us not shed tears of sorrow, but rather celebrate his life as he would have wanted.