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Graveside Ceremony: 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora, beginning with the presentation of military funeral honors.
Jay D. Richey, age 77, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 26, 2021, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
He was born September 7, 1943, in Olney, the son of Jacob Donald and Mildred Mae (Mattoon) Richey. He married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Jo Bemount, on June 1, 1963, just after she finished school.
Jay had graduated from Flora Township High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After the wedding, he and Pam drove over 3,700 miles to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, and began what would be part of a 29-year around-the-world life journey while he was on assignment. He trained and specialized in Aircraft Maintenance, Systems Management, and Aerospace Propulsion. Jay served in Vietnam during his extensive service career, and eventually retired as Chief Master Sergeant in 1990.
He later drove a school bus, and served on the Flora Volunteer Fire Department and the Clay County Board. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Air Force Association, Louisville American Legion Post 914, the NRA, and the Bible Grove Sportsman’s Club. Jay enjoyed collecting die cast models of International Tractors, and he shared a close bond with his much-loved dogs, Ginger & Gilligan. Later in life, his grandchildren became his greatest sense of pride, and sustained the lasting, loving memories that he and Pam had shared with their family.
He is survived by his children, Donald (Terry) Richey of Millbrook, Alabama, Douglas Richey of Flora, and Darla (Matt) Worthey of Louisville; grandchildren, Alexandria Richey, Jacob Richey, Macy Worthey, Lily Worthey, and Ty Worthey; a sister, Myra (Bill) Lincoln of Clovis, New Mexico; and a special cousin, Susan Foster of Sumner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved wife of 51 years, Pam Richey, who passed away on September 15, 2014.
A graveside ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora, beginning with the presentation of military funeral honors. Memorial donations are suggested to North Clay FFA, and these will be accepted through Frank & Bright Funeral Home. To share a condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com
So sorry for your loss..your dad was such a good man.. was a blessing to have known him..we continue to pray for your family.
So sorry that we have lost yet another Veteran who seemingly should have had many more years of retiremnet after dedicating 29 years in service of our country. He was an Awesome Father-In-Law to my daughter (Terry). Don, Doug and Darla please know my thoughts and prayers are with.
Myra. My heart felt condolences to you and Jays family. I lost my brother, Jim 2015. Remember our folks and us kids visiting back and forth as we grew up. Good memories . Sandi.
Sorry for your loss, my prayers for the family.
Joe and I are so sorry to for your loss. We loved Jay and Pam. Avery and Braden talk about the fudge bars Jay would bring to them when they were outside playing baseball. Pam even joined in playing a game with us . You are in our thoughts and prayers. They were special to us.
My sincerest sympathy for your loss, he was a good man and loved you with all of his heart. Keep your memories close to your heart so you can embrace them whenever you need to.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you both. God Bless.
Thankyou for your service to our great nation, Jay 🇺🇸 May you Rest In Peace. Prayers of comfort for you and your family,Darla.
Prayers to the entire family. Thanks for a lifetime of service to our country Jay ❤️
I was in Boy Scouts with Jay, his dad and my dad help the scout leaders at Camp Joy. his loving wife Pam and I we're in the same class at school, my prayers are with the family at their time of loss.
So sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was a classmate from grade school through high school. He was one of the best looking fellows in my class and I was so happy when he and Pam married as she was a friend and fellow twirler. RIP dear old friend. Our condolences to your family.
So sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I enjoyed working with him many years ago. He was a good man and he will be missed.
Prayers to the family
Very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a great man he was. He gave to our Community and served our Country in honor.
Sympathy is extended to the The Family. Sorry for You Loss. Clay County has lost an Outstanding Public Servant.
soory for your lose -he was a good bus driver that loved kids-a good friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss, keeping you all in my prayers & thoughts🙏
So sorry for your loss! RIP and god bless! You will be with us in prayers and thoughts! Take care! Love Barb mount and family
Our sympathies and prayers to the family.
We send our deepest sympathy to the Richey family for their loss.
I am so sorry for your loss, I pray for your peace and comfort.
To the Richey Family My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your loss
I wasn't acquainted much with Jay but knew his wife well before they married
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
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