Richard Eastman Gadbury, 59, a resident of Chattanooga, passed away Friday morning, Aug. 24, 2012, at his residence.

He was born in Traverse City, Mich., on Sept. 13, 1952, a son of the late Robert Eastman Gadbury.

He was of the Seventh-day Adventist faith and a member of the Collegedale Community Church.

He moved from Michigan to the Chattanooga area approximately 10 years ago.

At about age 27 Richard suffered a tragic diving accident that left him a quadriplegic. With his extremely encouraging spirit he turned his disability into an ability to encourage and inspire others. He was a board member of the Team Support Program and also a resident artist at the Chattanooga Discovery Museum where he would draw beautiful works of art while holding the pencil with his teeth. You are encouraged to visit his website at www.eastman-art.com for a complete history of his accident and then his many accomplishments afterwards.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of seven years, Meriam Gadbury; mother, Bea Russell; three children: Misty Meersma (Josh), Shanon James (Zack), and Brandon Gadbury (Michelle); a twin brother, Nick Gadbury, all of Michigan; and brother, John Gadbury of West Kansas; one sister, Cindy Amyot of Kansas; four grandchildren: Samantha, Gabriela, Brooklyn, and Benjaman Meersma, all of Michigan; and a host of other extended family members and friends.

The funeral is planned for noon Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 at the Collegedale Community Church, 4995 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, with Pastor Jerry Arnold officiating.

Interment will follow in the Collegedale Memorial Park with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Collegedale Community Church, Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service time.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Richard and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guest book at www.companionfunerals.com.

Companion Funeral and Cremation Service of Cleveland is honored to assist the Gadbury family with these arrangements.