Richard Lauris Tankersley

Dear Helen:

Our hearts are with you, and will continue to be with you in the face of this terrible loss. I know that Richard brought running to your life, and you and I had many races in Birmingham in the "early years" of our running. I remember his encouragement and kindness and send you our prayers.

Helen,

I loved Richard. For more years than I care to mention Richard was a dear friend. You too are a dear friend. My sons and I know the races will never be the same. Thank you for all the work you and Richard gave the BTC. Thank you and Richard for all the inspiration.

I only saw Richard at races and talked with him just before the start of his last race, the 2007 Azalea Trail Run. He fought the good fight and finished the course. I will miss him; he left us much too early.

Richard was a very talented runner. We shared laughs before and after every race. I always sought out Richard as he was always upbeat, funny and full of life. I'll miss competing against him in the races and in the banter afterwards. I'm sad. I've had a friend taken from me.

Richard's terrific sense of humor, coupled with his being such a great guy, made him truly exceptional.

Richard was an inspiration, not just for running, but for living. I'll miss him.

I was very saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I appreciate all of the races that Richard ran in and helped with and I appreciate his friendship at many races over many years. Running is one of the things that makes life worthwhile and competitive running is one of the things that makes life even more worthwhile. We have all suffered a loss with Richard's passing, but we can still have great joy in Christ because there is a resurrection and life everlasting.

Certainly a shock and a loss to the entire community. My regards for the family at this time. You will have peace soon.

I moved to Birmingham in 1994. At one of the first runs I did here Richard came up and introduced himself, welcomed me and invited me to join the BTC. Since that time, whenever I would see Richard at a run we would talk, laugh and have a good time. My runs will not be the same without Richard. He was a special person.

Helen,
I can't believe Richard is gone. He was such an encourager when I started running two years ago. When the members of the roadrunners club in Highlands would get together at 4:30 for our daily run, he would drop back and run with me, knowing I couldn't keep up with the faster runners. I remember fondly our times with you two in Pigeon Forge at the Midnight Run, in Anderson in the rain, and of course the Biltmore 15K.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and...