Richard "Taz" Timanus' Obituary
Richard Anthony "Taz" Timanus, age 68, of Cordova, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 3, 2025, at approximately 12:50–1:00 PM.
Richard was born on December 29, 1956, at Methodist Hospital in Memphis to Dr. Clifton O. Timanus, a dentist in Humboldt and the Frayser area of Memphis, and Pauline E. Thompson Timanus, who assisted her husband in his dental practice until their retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Clifton O. Timanus and Pauline E. Thompson Timanus; paternal grandparents Roy Henry and Anna Alyce Patterson Timanus; maternal grandparents Paul Edwards and Marie Elizabeth Miller Thompson; his half-brother Michael Alan Timanus Sr.; stepbrother Billy Paul Myers; nephew Michael Alan Timanus Jr.; beloved in-laws Nally and Winnie Dunston; and his cherished dog, Harley.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Debra A. Dunston Timanus, and their sweet dog Finley of Cordova, TN; his sister Karen Elizabeth Timanus of Humboldt, TN; his adopted family Jim and Becky Clark of Murfreesboro, TN, Sam and Cindy Clark of Eagleville, TN, George Clark of Murfreesboro, TN, Austin Clark of Bellevue, TN, and Brett and Sean Clark of Eagleville, TN; sisters-in-law Peggy Timanus and Glenda Myers; nephews Marc Timanus, Jason, and Todd; niece Jennifer Myers; great-nephews Michael III and Xavier; great-nieces Vivian and Veronica Timanus; and many cousins in the Memphis and St. Louis areas.
Taz dedicated 32 years of service to the Memphis Fire Department, from July 6, 1987, until his retirement on June 11, 2019. He served as a Paramedic, Firefighter, and ultimately retired as an Engine Driver. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1975, became an EMT in 1982 at Newbern VoTech, and earned his Paramedic certification from Jackson State Community College in 1985 while working for Union Baptist EMS in Union City, TN. He was a proud member of Local 1784, Memphis Firefighters Union.
Beyond his career, Taz was known for his love of cooking, delighting family and friends with his culinary talents. He especially cherished Christmas, joyfully decorating his home to celebrate the season. Above all, he treasured time spent with his wife, extended family, friends, and his beloved dog, Finley.
Richard will be cremated at Memphis Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Memorial Park Event Center.
Please keep his family, friends, and faithful canine companion in your thoughts and prayers as they adjust to life without his physical presence.
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