Mr. Newling Henry Richey

Greensboro- Newling Henry Richey passed away at home on October 5, 2013. A celebration of his life will be on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 2 PM at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Pat Cronin officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1:45 PM prior to the service at the church.

Newling Henry Richey was born on September 7, 1923 to Henry Daniel and Eva Mae Vance Richey in Hickory, NC. He had one brother, Clinard and four sisters, Edith, Ruth, Florence, and Tressie. They have all gone on to be with the Lord. He has three living nephews and one niece.

Newling lived in Hickory as a young child. The family then moved to Greensboro and he finished high school at Jamestown High School. After World War II began he was drafted into the Army in January, 1943. He was a part of the 737 Tank Battalion, Patton’s Spearheaders. They were awarded many commendations for their heroic service. He was very involved in the Tank Battalion Reunions each year most recently they celebrated in June.

In April, 1946 he went to work as a technician at Trader’s Chevrolet. He worked there for forty years, retiring as General Manager in January, 1986. He was well respected in his work and his community. He was chosen as Outstanding Young Layman of the Year by the Gate City Jaycees in 1965. He met Sara Louise Cockman at a social function and after dating for a year they were married on December 14, 1946 and spent almost sixty one wonderful years together until her death in 2007. They are now reunited for eternity.

During a revival preached by Dr. A.L. Parker, Newling gave his heart to the Lord. He then began a lifetime of studying, teaching and leading others to know his Savior. His most important passion after his family was his church. He was a Deacon, Sunday School Director, Training Union Director, and held many other positions at Asheboro Street Baptist and when the church moved and became Friendly Avenue Baptist Church he was very active in the building of the new facility. He loved that church and his church family with all his heart. He was chosen Deacon Emeritus in April, 2006. He still taught Sunday school every week for sixty seven years.

Left to cherish his love, wisdom and memory are his three children, Deborah Brown, David Richey and wife, Andrea and Sara Strandberg and husband, Chris; three grandsons, Michael Brown and wife, Allison, Ashley Brown and Colton Strandberg; one great grandson, Griffin Brown; two step-grandchildren, Lelia Dixon and Joey Lynch; two step great grandchildren, Justin Dixon and Sara Willis; and many nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed being with his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and new great grandson. He was an avid golfer and “Mr. Fix-It: for all his family and friends.

On September 7, 2013 the children and grandchildren hosted a 90th birthday party at FABC for him. What an exciting time as many family members and friends were able to honor this wonderful man they all loved.

Memorial gifts may be made to Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is serving the Richey family. On line condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.