Richard Alan "Dick" Darr

Richard Alan (Dick) Darr — beloved husband, father, and grandfather — passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, due to complications from leukemia. He was 76 years old. Dick lived by his motto, “You’re born, you die, and you get 15 minutes in between. What you do in that 15 minutes, is up to you.” He made sure to pack his 15 minutes to its fullest. A native of Coshocton, Ohio, Dick grew up on a dairy farm where he learned early in life the value of hard work and the importance of community. Dick earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University then moved to Nashville in 1975 to work for a commercial lighting firm. In 2008, Dick co-founded Nashville-based Capital Project Solutions, a construction management firm with extensive experience in public facilities and infrastructure projects. Dick loved his adopted hometown — and during the 1990s he played an active role in civic leadership at a time when Nashville emerged, economically and culturally, as a world-class city. Among other initiatives, Dick helped lead a grassroots effort to advocate for the construction of Nashville’s downtown arena, which transformed the city’s business and tourism district. Dick continually said the purpose of life is to “Do as much as you can, for as many people as you can, for as long as you can,” and he certainly did that. He was a lifelong champion for public education and adult literacy, Dick pushed for increased funding of Nashville’s globally recognized public-library system. More recently, in wake of the government shutdown, Dick held a private fundraiser that raised enough money to provide 140,000 meals to hungry Nashvillians. Dick was perhaps best known for his leadership of a broad-based coalition that in 1996 won passage of a city-wide referendum to bring the National Football League to Music City. During the “Yes for Nashville” campaign, Dick became one of the city’s chief boosters for a new pro-football stadium to recruit the Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans). “This is a way for us to get noticed as something other than a small town with good country music,” Dick told the New York Times on the eve of the historic referendum. Similarly, he told United Press International: “Our vision is that we want Nashville to be a better place to live, worship, work and raise our children.” On May 7, 1996, a majority of Nashvillians agreed — with 60 percent voting to move the city into the upper ranks of professional sports. According to the Nashville Banner, Dick approached leadership — and life — with “unfailing optimism,” noting that he was “equally adept at rallying supporters of his cause and charming opponents.” Former Tennessee Governor and Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen concurred, saying: “Dick’s positivity and optimism were contagious. His boundless energy helped us move the city and state forward.” Dick was certain that Nashville would get a Super Bowl; and he was glad to live long enough to say “I told you all!” and to see the NFL announce that Nashville will host the Super Bowl — the pinnacle of pro sports. “Without Dick and a handful of other community leaders who stepped up 30 years ago, there would be no Tennessee Titans today and no Super Bowl coming in 2030,” said Dave Cooley, one of Dick’s longtime close friends. Dick was immensely proud of his professional work, the company he built, and most importantly his CPS team; but he was so much more than a businessman. He truly lived by his motto, “You’re born, you die, and you get 15 minutes in between. What are you going to do with it?” He made sure to pack his 15 minutes to its fullest. Dick was an animal lover, especially dogs, and allowed his children to adopt and bring home whatever animals they could. At one point in addition to two dogs, they had 7 lizards, each named Spike, several turtles, also named Spike, a rabbit, hamsters, beta fish he secretly replaced every month, and a flying squirrel. He loved to give to the community, and support those in need. Dick cherished making memories and celebrating accomplishments of his own and others. Never at a loss for words, he could frequently be heard saying “Never let facts get in the way of a good story!” He very much enjoyed conversations with friends & family; they had a tendency to occur around a bar. He loved to discuss work, his career, the world, overthrowing a small country, life, family, music, and reminiscing about his college basketball days. Many will remember his love of music, and him singing Seven Bridges Road (among others!) with a piano player, bar band, karaoke, or even a quartet. He loved Christmas, and was known to request White Christmas or Jingle Bells year-round, even in the middle of summer. He enjoyed hiking and going to the lake with his children, and going to the beach with friends & family. He would never say no to a good hot dog or to watch a sports game with friends. He enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places, but his heart was always in Nashville, and he was always excited to return home. He treasured countless evenings spent with family and friends, both new and old, listening to music and taking in the views of downtown Nashville. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Jevene Darr. He is survived by the love of his life, Leeanne; children Evan Darr, Ricky Darr, Dave (Angie) Darr, Hayden (Toby) McIntosh and Jacey (Brian) Kampman; nine grandchildren; sister Carol Clark; brother Timothy Darr; and many loving friends. Dick truly was larger than life. A humble man, full of love & energy. He was honest, loyal, intelligent, and could light up the darkest room. The family is celebrating him the way he always celebrated us, sharing stories over a cold beer & a Jameson toast to a life well-lived! An Irish wake will be held at Hampton Social Rooftop, on Wednesday, June 10, from 4 pm – 7 pm. As Dick Darr would say, “Don’t let the world change you!”

Richard Alan "Dick" Darr

October 10, 1949 - June 4, 2026