Dr. Richard (Ray) Arnold Yorke

Dr. Richard (Ray) Arnold Yorke, age 65 of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.


Richard Arnold Yorke was born on February 7, 1958 at #25 Mission Road, San Juan, Trinidad. He was the first child born to Arnold Norris Yorke and Lucy Bernice Smith-Yorke.


Richard was baptized on February 25, 1958 at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, San Juan, Trinidad. His Godparents were Prof. John Harvey, Mr. Sydney Didier, Mrs. Audrey Bonterre Lloyd and Mrs. Lucinda Le Rivieres Briggs.


Richard, affectionately called “Ray” by his family, began playing the piano at the age of four years and five months as a student of Mrs. Elliott at Rockly Vale, Scarborough, Tobago. His early primary education was completed at the Scarborough R.C. Primary School, where he had his First Holy Communion at the of age seven.


Having passed the Common Entrance Examination at age eleven, Richard began his Secondary education at the prestigious College of the Immaculate Conception, better known as St, Mary's College, or CIC. He made his Confirmation at the age of thirteen, at St. Mary’s College. Richard graduated in 1975, having sat his GCE Ordinary Level Examinations. He proceeded to another boys’ College, Trinity College, Maraval, to complete his GCE Advanced Level Examinations. Richard continued his musical education at Mrs. Esther Batson’s Music School. He excelled at both academics and music.


Richard left the shores of Trinidad and Tobago to attend Howard University in 1982. He made the United States his home ever since. He graduated from Howard University with a BS in Biology and completed his tertiary and higher education in Nashville Tennessee, earning a master’s degree, a Ph.D. in Biology, and a degree in Theology.


While attending Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Richard was shown a picture of Suzan Flagg by a friend. Upon first glance at her picture, he knew that she was to become his wife and partner for life. Richard and Suzan were married in 1998 and this year (2023) would mark their 25th anniversary.


Richard loved listening to music, especially Stevie Wonder. His greatest passion was playing the piano. Being a virtuoso pianist, he learned to play gospel and played for many churches throughout the city. Up until his health began to decline, he played for Banks Chapel UMC in Springfield, TN where he was a member and Minister of Music for over 17 years.


On July 5, 2023, Dr. Richard Arnold Yorke, husband, father, scientist, musician, and so much more, transitioned from this earthly plane to a higher existence while in the loving arms of his devoted wife. He will be dearly missed.


Richard was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Wayne Eldon Yorke.
He leaves to cherish precious memories and continue his legacy wife, Dr. Suzan Flagg Yorke, daughter, Jamila Wilson, stepson, Dr. Artemus Flagg II, Covington, LA, mother, Lucy Bernice Smith-Yorke, Trinidad and Tobago, grandchildren, Sekai and Taylor, sisters, Madam Justice Halcyon Yorke-Young, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Theresa Yorke (Dr. Ian Desmond) Metzger, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Candice Yorke (Eugene) Ngo, Irvine, CA, brother, Andrew Norris Yorke, Fort Washington, MD, brothers-in-law, Clarence Jordan, Memphis, TN, George (Carol) Hill, Charles (Carol) Hill, Ray (Glenda) Hill, sister-in-law, Darlene Huff, nieces, Catherine Margaret Young, Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Sarita (Joseph Williams II) Metzger, Philadelphia, PA, Ianthe Imani (Adam Harte) Metzger, Washington, DC, Dr. Sierra-Nichole Metzger, St. Petersburg, FL, Imani Yorke, Fort Washington, MD, nephews, Edward Adam Young, Trinidad and Tobago, Christopher Young, Trinidad and Tobago, great nephew, Joseph Desmond Williams III, great niece, Ella Ngo, special devoted friend Michael Bryan, and a host of other relatives and friends.