Richard James Naud, age 70, of Crossville, TN, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at

Crossville Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and

grandchildren. He was born April 30, 1956, in Selden, NY, one of nine children.

Rich proudly served four years in the United States Navy before building a life around hard,

honest work. He spent his career as a carpenter and truck driver, and he brought that same

tireless work ethic to everything he did. Richard was the kind of man who would drop whatever

he was doing to help anyone who needed it, and he never cared much about money — only about

people. Whatever he had, he gave freely, and he showered his grandchildren with both love and

whatever material things he could afford them.

Rich was extremely outgoing and never met a stranger; he could talk to anyone as if he’d known

them for years. He had a great sense of humor and a deep love for the ocean and for travel. He

also never turned down good food, especially chocolate.

He was a devoted Catholic and a dedicated man of Christ, faithfully attending Mass at St.

Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Nancy Lens Naud; his daughter, Mandy-Sue

Williams, and son-in-law, Casey Williams; his grandchildren, Gavin, Audrey, Brenin, and

Seraphina Williams; and several surviving siblings. He was preceded in death by his

granddaughter, Sophia Claire Williams, and several of his siblings.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at

10:00 AM. Richard will be cremated, and his remains will be buried with a military honor guard

ceremony at the family’s private cemetery, beside his granddaughter, Sophia Claire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hood Funeral Home to assist with burial costs.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Hood Funeral Home.