Ron Emerson Rich, age 87, of Clayton, Ga., passed away on Sept. 20, 2022.
Ron was born on April 14, 1935, to the late Walter Emerson Rich and the late Hildegard L. Boeshaar Rich in Milwaukee, Wis. Ron moved to Rabun County in 1977. He was a Christian and a member of the Clayton Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Optimist Club and a member of the Pilot Club. He was a volunteer for the Rabun County Historical Society and a past member of the Clayton Rotary Club. He was a graduate of Georgia Technical Institute of Technology, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In his life he had a broad career, ranging from construction, mining, the furniture industry and property maintenance. He was a loving father, grandfather, and husband to his wife for 66 years.
In addition to his parents, his brother, Kenneth Walter Rich and his wife, Elizabeth; and one son in law, Robert Williford; brother-in-law, Lt. Col. Bryan W. Fleming, Jr., MD, retired, preceded him in death.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Ann Rich, of the home; his two sons, Bryan Walter Rich, of Clayton, John Emerson Rich (Wendy), of Winder; his daughter, Shirley Ann Williford, of Atlanta; his grandchildren, Stephanie Williford (Fiancée Jose Porras), Robin Williford (Wes); Josh Williford, Camryn Hetzel (Michael), Jacob Rich; his special nieces and nephews, Walter Rich, Maria Copeland (Ross), Susan Carr (Jimmy), Ann McClintock (Jim), Paul Rich (Kelli), Mark Fleming (Ann); and several great-nieces and nephews also survive him.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton, Ga. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., with funeral service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Jim Carver officiating.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Community Pantry P.O. Box 403 Clayton, GA 30525 or to the National MS Society P.O. Box #91891 Washington, D.C. 20090 1891.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
September 22, 2022