News Summary
Richard Dudley Willett, a respected sales executive and tennis instructor from Smyrna, Georgia, passed away at 65 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was known for his dedication to his career at Freeman and Long, Inc., and for his deep involvement in community activities. Willett’s life was defined by strong family bonds, a passion for tennis, and a commitment to his faith, leaving behind cherished memories for his loved ones and a legacy of kindness.
Smyrna, Georgia – Richard Dudley Willett, beloved sales executive and tennis instructor, passed away peacefully at his home on May 14, 2025, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old.
Willett’s career was predominantly centered around sales and marketing, dedicating over 25 years of his life to Freeman and Long, Inc., where he held the position of Vice President of Sales. He was held in high regard by both his customers and colleagues, known for his dedication and professionalism. Before his tenure at Freeman and Long, Willett started his career with Hallmark Company, where he was honored with the National Sales Award for his exemplary performance.
Born on June 20, 1959, in Atlanta, Georgia, Willett was the son of the late Joseph Francis Willett and the late Julia Pennington Willett. He spent his childhood on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee before graduating from The Baylor School in Chattanooga. He furthered his education at The Georgia Institute of Technology, where he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Personal Life
Willett was a man of deep faith, which played a significant role in shaping his life choices and relationships. He was a longtime member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church and later became actively involved with Smyrna First United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Recently, he attended Covenant Church Smyrna.
His marriage to Rosalie McCullough began on April 17, 1999, after they met on a blind date just after the 1996 Summer Olympics. Together, they built a loving family life that included two cherished shih-tzus named Lilly 1 and Lilly 2. He was known for his strong family bonds, enjoying summer beach trips to Litchfield, South Carolina, and being a devoted uncle to his extended family.
A Passion for Tennis
Willett was also a passionate tennis player and instructor. For 15 years, he taught tennis at Universal Tennis Academy at Bitsy Grant and Blackburn Tennis Centers, where he focused on beginner adults. His unique ability to make learning enjoyable left a positive impact on countless students in the Atlanta area. Additionally, he served on the board of the Georgia Chapter of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) for eight years and completed his term as President during 2024-2025.
Community Impact
Friends and family remember Willett as the “glue” that held friendships together. He was known for his loyalty and thoughtfulness, displaying a remarkable talent for remembering important dates and making the effort to call friends on their birthdays. His warm personality and consideration for others endeared him to many within his community.
Funeral Arrangements
Willett is survived by his wife Rosalie, his brother Buzz Willett, his sister Judy Willett, and several other close family members, including five nieces, two nephews, and nine great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled for May 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, with a livestream option available for those unable to attend in person. His interment will follow on May 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Covenant Church or the Piedmont Oncology Early Detection Pancreatic Cancer Clinic.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Richard Willett Obituary
- Wikipedia: Tennis in the United States
- Legacy: Angel Lopez Obituary
- Google Search: Pancreatic Cancer
- Legacy: Katie Tutwiler Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marketing
- Legacy: Lewis Williams Obituary
- Google News: Tennis Instructors
- Legacy: Jo Pittman Cooper Obituary
- Google Scholar: Faith in Community
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