Dr. Richard Arthur Faquin's Obituary
Dr. Richard A. “Dick” Faquin passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the age of 73. He was much loved by his family and friends, and admired and respected by his patients, colleagues and neighbors.
Dick and his two brothers grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, the sons of Judge Arthur Faquin Jr. and Frances Ann Exby Faquin. After graduating from Central High School and the University of Memphis, he earned his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in Memphis in 1979. His daughter, Valerie, of whom he was always extremely proud, was born while he was in dental school.
He went into private practice in Memphis and in 1991 met his beloved Darlene, who became his wife of 33 years. Whether remodeling houses in Memphis and Nashville, dressing up as Elvis and Priscilla for Halloween in Key West, or enjoying retirement in Florida, the two were inseparable for the rest of his life.
In 2001, Dick took a position with the Virginia Healthcare Foundation providing dental care to underserved children on the state’s Eastern Shore. He was named one of the Foundation’s “Unsung Heroes” for his work there, receiving the honor from then- Governor Mark Warner.
The birth of his two granddaughters, Adele and Hilde, whom he adored, drew Dick and Darlene to the Nashville area in 2006. He was in private practice in Springfield, Tennessee, until his retirement in 2020.
As a dentist, Dick had great clinical skill but was especially well-loved for his generosity, care and understanding of his patients, staff and colleagues. He was a passionate golfer (though always frustrated he could never perfect his short game), a talented sculptor and a fabulous poker player. He performed a decent moonwalk, liked good beer and had a quick, but always kind, wit. He could make a pencil disappear into his ear to entertain a scared kid in the dental chair and was able to have a heartfelt conversation with absolutely anyone of any age. We will surely miss him.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Foshee Faquin, his daughter Valerie Faquin Medovich (David), granddaughters Adelle and Hilde Medovich, brother Joseph Sidney Faquin (Monica) and eight nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased in 2019 by his brother John Charles Faquin (Jane).
Services for Dick will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation an hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Reception will follow the service in Memorial Park Parkside Event Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Dick.
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