Richard “Dickie” Martin, 73

Richard “Dickie” Martin, 73, left this world on April 3 at the home he shared with his loving wife Linda.

Richard came into this world on Feb. 8, 1953 in McMinnville to his late parents, Joel and Faye Martin. He attended Warren County High School where he lettered in both baseball and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda on August 20, 1971. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1974, with a double major in biology and geology.

He discovered his professional passion early in life: The conservation, and reclamation of this good Earth. Richard began this calling first in government service, and then in the private sector, becoming the managing partner at EMPE. He returned life to rivers, designed and created tens of thousands of acres of wetlands, and oversaw the decontamination of dozens of Superfund sites. Richard was a man of impact.

Richard was a loving husband to his wife of fifty-four years, a father to his son Clint, who Richard never tired of teaching and, a grandfather to Georgia, who was a fountain of joy to Richard.

Richard traveled the states (all 50 of them), and the world with his friends and family. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, fishing, hunting, boating and hiking. He was a voracious reader, who made a point to learn a new skill, or idea every day. The furniture and decorations he crafted adorn many homes. He enjoyed conversations with his many friends.

One did not have to wonder where one stood with Richard.

There is a measure of mercy in his passing, he now lives in a world devoid of pain, replete with beauty, and all things good and grand. Friends that came before him will welcome him with open arms

A gathering of his nearest and dearest will be held at High Funeral Home in McMinnville on Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. The family has asked in lieu of flowers to make donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here.

Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High's Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

April 6, 2026