Richard Skaggs

Richard Skaggs, 80, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in the presence of his loved ones.

Richard was born on February 14,1946 in Louisville, Kentucky, to his late parents, Lee and Ethel Skaggs. Richard was known to develop a love of basketball early in life, but also enjoyed learning about fishing, hunting, and other sports with his father.

As a young adult, Richard attended Virginia Military Institute, and shortly after, transferred to Transylvania University where he was a member of the varsity basketball and tennis teams, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Richard continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University, earning a master’s degree in counseling.

After college, Richard found himself in Cadiz, Kentucky where he worked for the state park system, enjoying several of the best years of his life. Richard then began his professional career after moving to Cullowhee, North Carolina, landing his first role as basketball coach at Cullowhee High School.

From there, Richard spent years with college programs - coaching at Texas Christian University, Rice University, University of Evansville, and Kentucky State. He later settled down with his family in Asheville, North Carolina where he coached basketball and was a passionate guidance counselor at Erwin High School. Richard continued to deepen his ties to basketball, running summer basketball camps for all ages throughout the eastern United States, including a prestigious, invitation-only high school camp. After his basketball tenure ended, Richard completed his career as a guidance counselor at Emma Elementary School in Asheville.

Later in life, Richard, otherwise known as Poppy by his beloved grandchildren, enjoyed retirement, traveling, painting, learning French, and pickleball. In late 2024, Richard was inducted into the Transylvania University Hall of Fame for both his basketball playing and coaching careers.

Richard is survived by son Richie Skaggs and his wife Tiffany; son Lee Skaggs and his wife Katie, along with his four grandchildren: Canon, Eloise, Leo, and Ruthie. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Hicks.

A memorial service to honor Richard's life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home. His family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Richard's family.