After nearly 67 years of dedicated service, Dr. Richard Drewery is retiring from a career that helped shape behavioral health care across West Tennessee. Long before conversations about mental health were common, community leaders in Jackson recognized the need for accessible mental health services. Their efforts led to the creation of the Jackson Mental Health Clinic in 1957, one of the region’s earliest organized behavioral health resources.
Just two years later, in 1959, a young Vanderbilt graduate joined the clinic as a clinical psychologist. That young professional was Dr. Richard Drewery. What began as a new role soon grew into a lifelong commitment to improving mental health care throughout the region. Over the decades, the organization evolved into what is now known as Pathways Behavioral Health Services, expanding its locations, services, and impact. Through every stage of growth, Dr. Drewery remained a steady presence and a trusted leader.
Honoring a Lifetime of Service
On February 25, Pathways hosted a retirement celebration honoring Dr. Drewery’s extraordinary career. Patients, colleagues, community leaders, and state officials gathered to recognize the countless lives he has touched.
During the event, Dr. Jeff Feix of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presented Dr. Drewery with a certificate of appreciation authorized by Governor Bill Lee. Leaders described his work as an “incredible legacy” and praised his steady leadership in forensic behavioral health services across West Tennessee.
Additional proclamations were presented by the Governor of Tennessee, the Mayor of Madison County, and the Mayor of the City of Jackson in recognition of his decades of service. Colleagues shared stories highlighting Dr. Drewery’s calm leadership, sharp insight, and dedication to mentorship. Even at 94 years old, he continued completing forensic evaluations with remarkable precision and clarity.
When asked what kept him committed to the work for so many years, Dr. Richard Drewery offered a simple answer. “We’ve got a great staff here,” he said. “And it’s a position where you make a difference in people’s lives.”
For Dr. Drewery, the greatest accomplishment of his career was not awards or recognition. Instead, he reflected proudly on the progress made with individual clients and the opportunity to help people during difficult moments in their lives.
Throughout his career, he mentored young professionals, helped normalize conversations about mental health, and contributed to building systems of care that continue serving communities across West Tennessee today.
A Lasting Impact on Behavioral Health in West Tennessee
During his time with Pathways, Dr. Richard Drewery witnessed tremendous changes in health care. He began his career working with pen and paper long before electronic records, telehealth, and modern digital technology became standard tools in clinical care.
Despite these changes, his focus never shifted from what mattered most: helping people. He also reflected on the critical role community partnerships played in strengthening behavioral health services. At one point in the organization’s history, West Tennessee Healthcare helped stabilize Pathways during a financially challenging period, allowing the organization to continue expanding its services to patients across the region.
Today, Pathways serves communities across West Tennessee through a wide range of programs, including outpatient counseling, medication management, school-based services, jail services, case management, and forensic evaluations.
A Well-Earned Retirement
After nearly seven decades of service, Dr. Drewery is looking forward to a quieter pace of life. When asked about his retirement plans, his answer reflected the same humility that defined his career.
He plans to spend time listening to music, especially classical symphonies and popular songs from the 1940s and 1950s.
While his professional title may now retire, the legacy of Dr. Richard Drewery will continue through the behavioral health programs he helped build and the countless individuals whose lives were touched by his compassion and leadership.
For nearly seventy years, Dr. Drewery has embodied the mission of Pathways and the broader commitment to improving mental health care in West Tennessee.
His title may retire, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of behavioral health professionals.
