Louis "Buddy" Rich Jr.

Louis Joseph Rich, Jr., age 82, of Powder Springs, better known as Buddy to his family and friends, passed away on July 6, 2013. Buddy was born in Fulton County in the city of Atlanta on August 9, 1930, to Louis & Sophie Rich. He had ten siblings - one older sister, three younger brothers, and six younger sisters. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann McCallister, and together they raised five children including two daughters, Marsha McGarity and husband, Rusty of Dallas, Shirley Baker and husband, Steve, of Woodstock; three sons, Bob Rich and Debbie Otto of Marietta, Johnny and wife, Stacy of Ballground, and Steve of Powder Springs. He is also survived by three sisters, Linda Glaze, Ellen Quigley, and Annette McAfee; one brother, Bill Jones and wife, Betty; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home Macland Chapel in Powder Springs on Wednesday, July 10th, at 2:00 pm, with a reception following the service. In 1950, Buddy graduated from O’Keefe High School in Atlanta. He was a Marine and served in a reserve unit which was called up for the Korean conflict. Buddy served his country as an active reservist during that conflict and stayed in the reserves for several years after returning home. He worked at Simmons Company, Marietta Bowling Lanes, and retired from General Motors where he worked as a Millwright. He loved sports and participated in football, basketball, and track in high school. He continued to enjoy sports with friends and family participating in bowling, basketball, tennis, and golf. He loved to go fishing. Buddy was an avid GA Tech fan and spent many hours as an armchair quarterback. He was not a frequent traveler, but he loved country music and visited the Grand Old Opry in Nashville when he could. He was a friend to nature and to all living creatures—always concerned about their welfare. Nothing made him angrier than to see any of God’s creatures abused. Above all, he loved God, his family, and his friends, and never met anyone that he would not welcome into our home and invite to our table, always a gracious host. He was a stubborn man, who would not compromise his principles. A wonderful father and a hero to his children, he worked hard to build a good life for his family. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses—too many to name—who provided support during his recent illnesses. He and the family were blessed during the last days of his life by the loving care provided by the staff at the Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit in Austell, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Louis "Buddy" Rich Jr.

August 9, 1930 - July 6, 2013