Richard Leroy French

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:30, with visitation from 12:30 to 2:30. Burial of his ashes will be at Red Hill United Methodist Cemetery in Ivalee, for family & close friends, following the service, with a procession led by the fire dept.

Richard was born at home 2-2-41 & raised in Ivalee. He met & married his sweetheart of 60 years, Shirley Anne Harris. He was in the Air Force Reserves from 1963 to 1969, when he was honorably discharged. Richard dearly loved being a volunteer firefighter. He was a founding member of Ivalee Volunteer Fire Department formed in 1981, and was a vital part of the department, serving as president & running calls right up until he got too sick to. He retired from Bellsouth after many years. Richard loved taking pictures of flowers, and loved woodworking in his shop. His family & Christianity were two of the most important things to him. You could find him putting suckers in his pocket for all the grandkids when they were little. He was his sons biggest hero, and his wife's help mate and love of her life. He was a true role model for everyone!!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert & Myra French, 1 brother-WC French, 1 sister- Donnie Smith, & 1 grandbaby- Jacob French.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley French, 2 sons- Jeff French (Pam French), David French (Reva French), 4 grandchildren - Abbey French Bliss (Roy Bliss), Ethan French (Kiana French), Alivia French, & Lauren French (Joby Dobbs), 2 great-grandchildren- Axton Cash French & Zealand Kane French, and a host of nieces, nephews & cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Ivalee Vol Fire Dept, 365 Sarratt Battles Rd, Attalla, AL 35954.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jeff Vaughan, the guys from the fire dept, and the nurses & staff at Riverview Hospital.