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Welcome to the memorial page for

Rev. James O. Rich

April 13, 1932 ~ August 4, 2017 (age 85) 85 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Eve Witcher Miville on August 18, 2017 9:46 PM
Message from Rev. Dr. William S. Randolph and Mrs. Doris Randolph
August 12, 2017 10:52 AM

Stanley and Stephanie,
We are deeply saddened by the home going of your father, Dr. J.O. Rich. You are in our prayers. Sorry that we are unable to attend the services personally. We worked on several projects together off and on for a period of 50 years. May the memory of your father be an encouragement to you to continue the vision that he has set forth.

Rev. Dr. William S. Randolph and Mrs. Doris Randolph
Pastor Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus of First Baptist Missionary Church, Sumter, SC
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A candle was lit by Rev. Dr. William S. Randolph and Mrs. Doris Randolph on August 12, 2017 10:50 AM
Message from Beverly Jenkins, NAACP, Oconee County Branch President
August 12, 2017 9:02 AM

On behalf of the Oconee County NAACP, I would like to express our condolences on the loss of Rev. Rich. Many of us knew him personally, and his compassion to help everyone in need was well known and respected among our members and pivotal in the upstate community. Rev. Rich will be missed. Again, we extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Message from Odell and Angela Burns
August 12, 2017 8:59 AM

Rev. Rich would always encourage us when we were in his presence. We are praying for you Stanley, Phyllis, and Stephanie. May God continue to give you Peace and strength.
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A candle was lit by Shirley Wardlaw on August 11, 2017 9:28 PM
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A candle was lit by Sam and Liz Spear on August 11, 2017 5:16 PM
Expression of Sympathy

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An ELEGANCE AND SIMPLICITY STANDING SPRAY was ordered on August 11, 2017

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A candle was lit by Debra Crump Ballard on August 11, 2017 2:37 PM
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A candle was lit by PASTOR SHARON LEE VALENTINE on August 11, 2017 2:17 PM
Many lives has been changed and inspired by Dr Rich and never to be forgotten this city/county has gained so much through the years though this mighty man of God. He has left a legacy to never be forgotten. Many years later, I returned to the city of Anderson and had a chance to speak at the church. I felt honored that I got a chance to say thank you to the man I looked up to as a child. He always encouraged me whenever I saw him. A the end of the service i look up and there he was smiling at me oh what a MIGHTY WORD OF KNOWLEGE REVELATION AND WISDOM he gave me to carry me in ministry for the rest of my life. To Stanley Phyllis Stephanie and his grandson our prayers are with you.
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A candle was lit by Sarah Williams Adams on August 11, 2017 9:42 AM
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A candle was lit by Mattie Simpson And Family on August 11, 2017 1:36 AM
Message from gloria stewart
August 10, 2017 7:32 PM

Memories, sweet memories. Rev Rich baptized me, I gave my life to the Lord walking down the aisle of St Paul church and I knew exactly what I was doing and how great the love of our Father is because Rev Rich, my parents and the St Paul family taught me. Vacation Bible school, Sunday School, church, learning about and loving the Lord- these are just some of the gifts bestowed upon myself, my siblings and my mother under the tutelage of Rev. Rich. I remember losing my father the first year of radiologic technology school and then losing my mother the second year. When I delivered the valedictorian speech, I looked out into the audience and who was sitting there with my family, non-other than Rev Rich, Mrs. Maggie Morris and about 20 other St Paul members. I will always cherish this memory. He was there for me and they were there at his request. Memories, precious memories-This is just one example of Rev Rich’s kindness and compassion. To Stanley, Phyllis, Stephanie, Stanford and the rest of the family, please know that he is loved and respected by many and our hearts go out to you in your loss. Gloria Stewart, RT (R)(M) Spartanburg,SC
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A candle was lit by Rev James c. Clark and the Wilson Calvary Baptist Church fam on August 10, 2017 5:20 PM
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A candle was lit by Pamela Lewis-Hall on August 10, 2017 3:49 PM
My prayers goes out to the Rich Family. Stephanie its been a long time my friend just want to let you know that I am keeping you in my prayers and sending my support to you and your family.
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A candle was lit by Eddye F. Lewis on August 10, 2017 3:46 PM
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A candle was lit by Pamela Lewis-Hall on August 10, 2017 3:44 PM
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A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on August 10, 2017

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A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on August 9, 2017

With our deepest sympathy. We send our thoughts and prayers to the Rich Family. God Bless each of you. Phillip and Patricia Smith

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A candle was lit by Rancesine N Scott on August 9, 2017 10:25 PM
Message from Linda Swinger
August 9, 2017 9:52 PM

It is difficult to imagine that Dr. Arabella
and Rev. JO Rich will not be around to guide, and receive sound spiritual advice.
Heaven has received another precious jewel; we have lost someone we can never replace.
My love, prayers and sympathy are extended
to all family members.

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A candle was lit by Linda Swinger on August 9, 2017 9:40 PM
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A candle was lit by Donnie & Carolacie Rice on August 9, 2017 8:42 PM
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A SOPHISTICATION WILLOW BASKET SPRAY was sent on August 9, 2017

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Rich Family in the loss of this great leader. Be encouraged, and together we will work to continue his great legacy. Most sincere regards, Baptist Village Apartment Homes Anderson, South Carolina

August 9, 2017 3:04 PM

It was truly an inspiration having known and to have worked with him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Trinna Doyle Ray
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A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on August 9, 2017

"A father is one of God's first gifts to our hearts, and his love stays with us always." We love you Steph! Thinking of you and your family today. With Love and Prayers, Four Seasons Reservations Family

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A SOFT AND SWEET MEMORIES    STANDING SPRAY was ordered on August 9, 2017

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A candle was lit by Rev. Dr. Leon G. Brown, Moderator, Antioch Baptist Assn on August 9, 2017 10:54 AM
Message from Antioch Baptist Association, Rev. Dr. leon G.Brown, Moderator, Moncks Corner, SC
August 9, 2017 10:53 AM

On behalf of the Antioch Baptist Association, we sent our heartfelt sympathy to the Rich family. I remember meeting Rev. Rich and his visitation of our Association. He was one of the first presidents of the E & M Convention of SC to attend and visit with us. We appreciate the words of encouragement given and will keep the family in our prayers.
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A candle was lit by Darlene Myers on August 8, 2017 10:42 PM
Message from Rev. J. M. Flemming, President Greenville Branch of the NAACP
August 8, 2017 8:55 PM

Dr. J. O. Rich was the most enlightened, engaging, challenging and caring Dean of Students for Morris College School of Religion during his tenure. Dr. Rich was one who so many owe so much and we pause to say "Thank You." His gifts to humankind will never be forgotten and I have been more than blessed to serve under his tutelage.

Rev. J. M. Flemming, President Greenville Branch of the NAACP
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A candle was lit by Shirley Williams Vandiver, Anderson, S. C. on August 8, 2017 8:10 PM
Message from Anne Gunby
August 8, 2017 6:14 PM

Sorry for your loss. Reverend & Mrs. Rich were an awesome couple who share their time and talents to residents and members of the Baptist faith is SC.
Message from The Reverend James E.and Mrs. Janie Massey
August 8, 2017 5:00 PM

In times like the transitioning of a
devoted servant of God we give thanks for sharing our earthly journey of ministries and discipleship for many years. The Reverend Dr. Rich may be a name of our past/ present yet his empowering services of preaching, teaching, and outreach will always live eternally, My wife shares special memoirs with her father the late Reverend Dr. W. E. Wilson a former pastor of the Mt. Carmel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church , Anderson, SC and the legacy of Dr. Rich. 🙏🏽✝️
forever remain
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A candle was lit by The Reverend James E. and Mrs. Janie Massey on August 8, 2017 4:47 PM
Message from The West Family, Anderson, SC
August 8, 2017 3:41 PM

May you experience the Love and Presence of God surrounding you during these times and in the days and months ahead. May the precious memories of Rev. Dr. Rich serve to comfort and guide you in the future. We know that you shared Love. Remember that Love never dies! Blessings! The West Family
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A candle was lit by Rev. Dr. George L. West and Family, Anderson, SC - on August 8, 2017 3:36 PM
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A candle was lit by S on August 8, 2017 2:52 PM
Message from Word cannot express the kind of man you were Dr. J.O. Rich to Anderson County and other places, a man of ontegrity, you will be missed by many, to the family you have our deepest condolences.
August 8, 2017 2:24 PM

Words cannot express the kind of man your were to Anderson County and other places, your legacy will live forever, a man of integrity is what you were, our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, may God continue to be with you all.

Julia & James Richardson
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A candle was lit by Julia and James Richardson on August 8, 2017 2:15 PM
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A candle was lit by Sandra Fair Harvin on August 8, 2017 1:51 PM
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A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on August 8, 2017

We salute the life and legacy of Rev. James O. Rich, a gentleman of integrity, compassion, and service, who will forever be remembered. Family, be encouraged looking to the hills from where all of your help comes from. Sincerely, Harris Davis, Taylor Davis, Patty Sherman and NHE, Inc.

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A candle was lit by Janie Rice and Deborah Galloway on August 8, 2017 8:40 AM
A great man of God. They both touch many lives. A walk of life we should never forget. Rest in the arms of Jesus til we meet again. Stanly and Phyllis stay strong and up lifted. He is in peace. Love both.
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A candle was lit by I light this candle in memory of a great man who all lifes. on August 8, 2017 8:27 AM
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A candle was lit by Herman Jackson Brentwood, Tennessee on August 8, 2017 6:16 AM
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A candle was lit by Margaret Thompson Webb on August 7, 2017 10:30 PM
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A candle was lit by Brenda Gay on August 7, 2017 9:07 PM
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A candle was lit by James A. Harrison on August 7, 2017 8:44 PM
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A candle was lit by Niecy on August 7, 2017 6:19 PM
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A candle was lit by Danielle Rich..Sumter S.C on August 7, 2017 6:16 PM
Message from Shirley W.Nix
August 7, 2017 2:41 PM

What a BLESSING you were to us Amen Amen Amen,his face is shining upon you now.
Shirley W.Nix
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A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent on August 7, 2017

Condolences on the loss of our loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys.Take comfort in knowing that our God is in charge. Love, The Rich-Anderson Family from Tampa,Fl

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A candle was lit by Michelle Rich Anderson from Tampa,Fl on August 7, 2017 12:28 PM
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A candle was lit by Ralph Melbourne on August 7, 2017 11:47 AM
I received such a wonderful gift when Dr. Rich was on my delivery route. We had such beautiful conversations attempting to solve the world's problems. I will always be grateful for your solid wise advice whenever I put my own problems on the table. When P.T. Barnum became president God offered the blessing of sliding into your deserved eternal Peace.
Stanley, I am so pleased to know you and you should allow your self a comforting moment of pride for the support you gave your father in his last years.
Message from Rev. Dr. James Blassingame
August 7, 2017 8:53 AM

Rev. Dr. James O. Rich served with dignity and grace as the Ninth President of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. We are the more better because of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Rev. Dr. James Blassingame,President
Baptist E&M Convention of SC
Message from dtw10g43@gmail.com
August 7, 2017 12:08 AM

Our heart and prayers goes out to Rich's family. Pray that God will give you what you need to endure. Mike and Dora Webb, Augusta, GA
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A candle was lit by Dr. Martin L. and Mrs JoAnn Clinkscales Johnson on August 6, 2017 8:59 PM
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A candle was lit by Stephanie Mattison on August 6, 2017 5:21 PM
Message from James Felder
August 6, 2017 3:25 PM

On behalf of the Lincoln High School Alumni Association of Sumter, SC I offer our profound condolences to the Rich family. I have known Rev. Rich since my childhood days in Sumter. I worked with him at the State NAACP level for many years and had the opportunity to Speak at Saint Paul Baptist Church in Anderson. He will be missed.
Jim Felder
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A candle was lit by Colette Davis on August 6, 2017 9:02 AM
Message from Colette Robinson Davis
August 6, 2017 5:53 AM

Condolences on the loss of your loved one. Take comfort in knowing that our Almighty God is in charge. Peace and strength.
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A candle was lit by Colette Robinson Davis on August 6, 2017 5:45 AM
Message from Gtloria fair
August 6, 2017 1:24 AM

To the family it was such an honor for me to have worked with dr.rich for years at the funeral home he was a great inspiration to me he will truly be missed from all that knew him my prayers are with you all
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A candle was lit by Reverend Rufus H. Mitchell and Family! on August 6, 2017 1:14 AM
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A candle was lit by R. H. Mitchell lights a Golden Candle for J.O. Rich! on August 6, 2017 1:13 AM
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A candle was lit by Maxine Thomas on August 6, 2017 12:32 AM
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A candle was lit by Barbara Rich Jeffries on August 5, 2017 11:02 PM
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A candle was lit by Catherine Thompson-Nesbitt on August 5, 2017 8:19 PM
Reverend Dr. Rich will be sorely missed by Anderson County, South Carolina and the nation. He was such an inspiration to people all over America. He treated everyone he met with love, dignity and respect. We offer sincere condolences to Stanley, Phyllis, Stephanie and Stanford, as well as members of Saint Paul Baptist Church. His was a life well-lived. And we can't forget his perfect mate, Sister Arabella. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

Catherine and Family
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