Robert L. Richey

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Lawrence Richey announces his passing on May 7 of melanoma at 86. Born in Wattensaw, Arkansas, a place his children didn’t really believe existed until he took them there as adults, Bob grew up in St. Louis. After serving in the Marines, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began his career in the insurance industry. He met Jean Womack Richey and they were married for 46 years until her death in 1995. After some time in Dallas where their eldest son Greg was born, the family moved to Atlanta. Bob built a successful career in the insurance consultant business, working for several companies before starting his own firm. He met Helen Bell and they married in 2000. Bob was able to achieve a lifetime goal of traveling the world with her. His children wish to thank Helen for her tireless and devoted care to Dad at the end of his life. A loving and generous father and husband, he also relished his role as Grandpa to his five grandchildren who adored him. Bob loved his nightly scotch, smoking cigars, reading newspapers, watching golf and the Braves. A devoted fan of the Atlanta Falcons, he owned season tickets since their inaugural 1966 season. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Hubert Richey, and his sisters, Marla James and Rose Ann Richey. He is survived by his wife, Helen Richey, sons Greg Richey and Chris Richey (Julie), daughter Jan Butsch Schroder (Chris), sister-in-law Mibby Silver, stepson Robbie Bell (Allen Rowland) and grandchildren Catherine Butsch, Christopher Butsch, Connor Richey, Claire Richey and Kate Richey. A service will be held Monday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel in Sandy Springs, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a gathering afterwards at the home of Jan and Chris Schroder. Contributions in Bob’s memory can be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation at Melanoma.org or to 1411 K Street, NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005.