Billy Rich

RICH, Billy Russell
Mr. Billy (Bill) R. Rich, age 82, passed away at home peacefully on Thursday, September 3rd , 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Marietta, Georgia. Bill had gone to the grocery store January 2nd, experienced a severe pain in his lower back, but arrived safely home. Once home, he used the car horn for help when he realized he had no feeling from the waist down. The severe pain in his back had resulted from a blood clot that had formed in his lower vertebrae. Even with emergency surgery, he never recovered to walk again. Bill’s health continued to decline, and after a wonderful and blessed life, he is now in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ.
Bill was born on February 25th, 1933 to Jess & Ethel Rich of Calhoun, Georgia. He was a starter for 4 years on the Calhoun High basketball team. As a child, he had bantam chickens, rabbits, billy goats and always a dog, as any true animal lover does. He was drafted into the army at age 19, and lived in Germany after wedding his beloved wife, Marguerite Hamrick, on 9/20/1953. He then attended Southern Tech, and in 1957 went to work for Square D Electrical Company until he retired after 35 years in 1992. After retirement, he spent a lot of time engaging in his favorite past-time of traveling. This passion included taking three weeks off with his two young daughters in the sixties, and traveling across many states visiting national parks and landmarks he wanted his girls to see firsthand, not just read about them in books. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren, taking them on summer vacations camping and to visit Washington, DC, The Alamo in Texas and several other incredible adventures. In anticipation of celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary, he decided to take his entire family on a cruise through the Western Carribean. Thus began his love of cruises. Bill and Marguerite were blessed to take more than 23 cruises throughout his life.
One thing that was often said about Bill was the fact he never met a stranger. He was a people person. He always found a common thread with new acquaintances in order to share the gospel. He had a strong faith in the Lord, and served as deacon at Roswell Street Baptist Church for many years. He worked in missions, evangelism and benevolence ministries. Bill was the one everyone called for wise advice and a helping hand for everything from small projects to inquiring if a deal was good, because he saw the value in everything. He proudly paid cash for his first car, a brand new 1950 Chevrolet 2-door blue straight shift (no air) for $1,800. He was an incredible role model of integrity, family dedication and most of all showed his love for life, family, friends, and his passion for his convictions were unparalleled. Bill lived his life to the fullest and will be truly missed by his loved ones. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren with a never ending love and let them know they were prayed for on a daily basis.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Marguerite Rich of Marietta, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Kay & Jeff Tatum of Marietta, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Renee & Dunn Henry of Marietta, GA; grandchildren Amy Tatum Baird (husband, Grant), Tyler Tatum, Gage & McLain Henry and great-grandson, Turner Baird. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Thomas of Calhoun, GA, niece, Greta Thomas Hughes (Lance) and a great niece, Catelyn Hughes.