Richard Houston Sadler, of Memphis, Tennessee, died on November 22, 2024. He was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and stubborn streak a mile wide, as well as for masquerading as Santa Claus during the Christmas season.

Richard was born in Montgomery, AL, to James Emmett Sadler, Jr. and Marylove Dempsey Sadler [both deceased]. He graduated with a GED from Memphis City Schools in 1973. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He and his father hiked a 70-mile adventure in the National Appalachian Mountains through Tennessee and North Carolina. He moved to Gainesville, Georgia, as a young adult to work with his grandmother, Thedral Hendrix Dempsey, eventually moving to Eastman, Georgia, where he resided until returning to Memphis in his 30s. Richard always enjoyed building things and working with his hands. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed water skiing. While in Georgia, he worked for Stuckey’s Signs and Plastics. After returning to Memphis, he met the love of his life, Donetta (Doni) Buckheister, and married her in 1997. He worked with Doni at their business, Blind Ambition, LLC, until 2020, when they retired.

In his later years, Richard was known for his woodworking and love of the family dogs, a boxer and a pug. Many friends and family members have in their homes beautiful wood-cutting boards that he made. In recent times, he made wood acrylic ballpoint pens, fountain pens, and acrylic band rings. Richard was an active member of Calvary Church of the Nazarene, where he volunteered with the youth, including many mission trips, helped to build sets for passion plays, and made many enduring friendships.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donetta (Doni) Buckheister Sadler, his sister, Linda Sadler Eller, his daughter, Katie Sadler-Stephenson (Kevin), his stepson, Scott Weaver (Angela), his grandchildren, Miriam Sadler-Stephenson, Nikki Weaver Williams (Jonathan), Casie Weaver, Joshua Jones, and great-grandchildren August Williams, Bryce Edmond, Zach Edmond, Oscar Edmond, and great-nephews, Naini Eller and Adam Keita.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his stepchildren Kimberly Weaver Jones and Jadie Young, and his grandchildren Brock Jones, Scott David Weaver and Clay Weaver.

A memorial will be held for Richard on Thursday, December 12, at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Church of the Nazarene at 1851 N. Houston Levee Road, Cordova, TN, 38016.

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