Vaughn Ray "VR" Teegarden

Bristol, Va.

Vaughn Ray “VR” Teegarden, age 82, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 4, 2022. VR was born in Missouri, raised in North Dakota, lived in New Jersey and moved to Bristol, Tennessee 30 years ago. After graduating from North Dakota State University, he taught school for a few years and then pursued a career in mechanical engineering. Companies that he worked for include Picatinny Arsenal, DMG Mori-Seiki, and Uhlmann Machine. VR lead an adventurous life. He and his wife, Gaye, rode a motorcycle from Seattle, WA to Alaska via the Alaska Highway. Each year, VR and Gaye would spend a month touring Europe. VR would drive, Gaye would clean, and Gaye’s brother Tim would cook. Their favorite country was Germany.

VR was an elder at Cleveland Presbyterian Church. He took a special interest in the church cemetery. He spent hours during the week finding graves, marking graves and platting them for future generations.

Vaughn was a pilot and was in the process of building his own Europa aircraft. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed the distinction of scoring two holes-in-one.

His children remember VR as being the best father you could have, and as a great teacher.  Gaye remembers him as being simply wonderful.

VR was predeceased by his parents Woodford and Dorothy Richey Teegarden and a brother, Keith.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gaye, his brother Donny, brother-in-law Tim, sons Rich and Bobby, and grandchildren Storm and Lorelei.

A service celebrating a life well-loved will be scheduled soon.

The family of Vaughn Ray “VR” Teegarden is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 276-623-2700.