Richard Wroten

Richard Woodrow Wroten, 66, left this life September 23, 2019, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville while surrounded by his family.
Richard, beloved son of Leo and Leona Wroten, was born in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1952. A born and raised Texan, it was there that he met the love of his life. He was the cutest guy in Algebra class, or so we're told. This is what first caught the attention of a young Sharon Taylor who would later become his wife. She then fell for his perseverance, outstanding intellect, and all the ways he made an effort to understand and make her feel loved.
With his growing family, Richard traveled everywhere from Texas to Virginia to California to Japan, and ultimately settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he built his life and career for 26 years. He recently "retired" from his position as an Executive Partner with the Vantage Group and was able to get in some quality time with family and friends. He was a long time active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the members of which he considered to be an extension of his family. During his last year, he made the move down to Tennessee in order to be close to his kids and grandchildren.
Richard was a life long knowledge seeker, and loved to read and study. He particularly enjoyed biographies and books pertaining to personal improvement and success. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas, we often referred to him as a professional business man. With that said, he had another side to him. He was an avid social butterfly who never met a stranger, or if he did, they didn't remain a stranger for long. He was a singer, a jokester, and a huge fan of traditions such as family home evening, his weekly visits with the R.O.M.E.O. Club (aka Retired Old Men Eating Out), and Friday night dates which he held sacred.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Leona Wroten, as well as his mother and father in-law, Frank and Pauline Taylor, whom he loved as his own.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Wroten; Children - Jessica (Jade) Atwood, Jason Wroten (LeighAnn Riker), Jonathan Wroten, J. Scott Wroten (Lisa Jones), and Joanna (Christopher) Myers; Grandchildren - Cheyenne, Kendra, Jacob, Adam, Caleb, Destiny, Lily, and Charlie; and most recently, his great granddaughter, Gwen; as well as his only brother, Craig (Wanda) Wroten.
A celebration of his life is to be held Monday, September 30, at the Oak Ridge (TN) branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Receiving of friends: 11:30am
Service: 1:30pm
Followed by the graveside service at Oak Ridge Memorial Park (TN)