Richard Jennings, age 85 passed away peacefully Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home.

He served 37 years in law enforcement beginning with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Dept. and ending his career with the Smithville Police Dept. where he served as an investigator, training officer, asst. chief and ultimately chief for 16 years.  During his tenure as a police officer he was awarded several commendations which included officer of the year in the 13th judicial district. He solved several local murder cases, child abuse cases, many drug cases among other serious crimes during his years of dedicated police work for his community.  After his law enforcement service ended, he served as a warrant commissioner.  He loved his career serving his community. He graduated from Castle Heights Military School in Lebanon. He attended TTU and MTSU. He was a veteran who served in the Army National Guard as a military policeman. He also owned several small businesses in his lifetime from a gas station to a market to Smithville Marina which he built in the 1960s. 

He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Nina and Sam Jennings and father, Alfred Elsie.  

He is survived by his wife June Jennings of Smithville; his daughter, Kaitlin Jennings (David Guy) of Sparta; daughter Jennifer (Jeremy) Womack of McMinnville; daughter Becky (Clint) Staggs of Sparta; five grandchildren Shayla, Ryder, Ethan, Addy, and Bane; sister Jan (Guy) Martin from Valdosta, Ga.; nephews Brad & Tyler Martin of Ga. 

Funeral service was held Sunday, March 2, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Donnie Kelly officiating. 

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.