Charles H. Rich

Charles Herbert Rich, Sr., of 54 Sterling Court, North Johnson City, was called home to be with his Lord on Friday, August 17, 2007 in Johnson City. He was the son of the late Charles Sidney Rich and Kate Thompson Rich. Charles was born in Buffalo, NY on August 19, 1920 and has been living in Johnson City since 1943. He was president and owner of Cox and Rich Wholesale Co., Inc. and served as president of the Tennessee Wholesale Grocers Association. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church and had served as chairman of the deacon body, finance committee and Superintendent of the Sunday School. He taught Sunday School for 46 years. He was a charter member of the Johnson city Gideon Camp and former chairman of the deacon body , finance committee and superintendent of the Sunday School. He taught Sunday School for 46 years. He was a charter member of the Johnson City Gideon Camp, former president of the local camp and the Tennessee State Gideon Association. He was a charter member of the Metro Kiwanis Club and served as the Secretary/Treasurer. During World War II, Charles served in the Navy aboard the heavy cruiser USS Quincy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. His favorite hobbies were photography and traveling. Charles was married to Willie Frances Cox at the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church of Bristol, Virginia on June 28, 1940, by his brother, Dr. Howard T. Rich. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Sidney James Rich and Dr. Howard T. Rich, two sisters, Mrs. Kathleen Jasper and Lillian Johns of St. Petersburg, Florida, a granddaughter, Sylvia Jean Rich Robinson of Pensacola, Florida. Survivors include: his wife, Mrs. Willie Frances Cox Rich of the home; a son, Charles H. Rich, Jr. and his wife Barbara; a daughter, Mrs. Fraces Rich McMackin and her husband, - James L. McMackin; three grandchildren, Robert Charles Rich and wife Kimberly of Bradenton, Florida, Julie Ann McMackin of Seattle, Washington and Dr. James P. McMackin and wife Karen of Johnson City; six great grandchildren, Garrett and Shannon Robinson, Jacob and Joshua McMackin, Austin and Ethan Rich; several nieces and nephews. A celebration service will be held at Central Baptist Church on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Ron Murray and Rev. R. Willard Warfield. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at three. Burial will follow on Monday, August 20, 2007 at the Mountain View Cemetery, Bristol, Virginia. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 8:45 a.m. to leave in procession. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to the Johnson City Gideons, P.O. Box 372, Mountain Home, Tn 37684 . Active pallbearers will be: Bobby Rich, Jim P. McMackin, Ted Rich, Keith Lyle, Pete Speropulos and Sam Brummitt.