Richard Carroll "Mike" Townsen, age 77 of Nashville, died Monday December 19 in the Lakehaven Nursing Center in Valdosta. He was a retired CPO US Navy with 26 years service and was the chief maintenance officer for the Navy's famed Blue Angels precision flying team.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Kibbe Townsen of Nashville; daughter, Gladys Temples of Nashville; step son, Donald Cranford of Green Cove Springs, Fl; 2 sisters, Mary Kay Varga and Wilma Deloris Rapport both of Ohio; 3 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and a sister.

Memorials are requested to the Alzheimer's Assn. @ www.alz.org or the National Veterans Foundation @ www.nvf.org.

The family has honored his request for cremation. A memorial service will be held Thursday December 22 at 7 pm in the chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service.