SGT Major (Retired) Raymond "Rick" R. Roughton III

“Rick” or "Sergeant Major," as he was affectionately known, was born February 9, 1947 in Columbus, GA, son of the late Raymond Rushen Roughton, II, and Mary Lizzie Miller Roughton. He proudly served his country, retiring from the United States Marine Corp as a Sergeant Major after 20 plus years. Being a Marine is who he was, staying active in the VFW and supporting several Marine Corp Affiliations. After retiring from the Marine Corps in Alaska, Rick was an ROTC Instructor in Eagle River at Chugiak High School. He stayed in close contact with his former students throughout their lives, thinking of them as his children, encouraging them and following their careers and achievements. During his many years in Alaska, he acquired many special friends which he helped in any way he could and stayed in contact with even after his return to Georgia. Rick had a strong connection and was proud of his native Creek culture. He was very creative and artistic, even doing some construction from time to time. He once operated his own stained glass business, was a published writer and enjoyed archaeology. He was most recently writing about his Viet Nam experience. Having played in bands during his lifetime, Rick enjoyed a variety of music styles and could tear up a mean set of drums. He had a green thumb when it came to plants and growing his garden, especially his flowers and a variety of hot peppers. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Alicia Balestracci; granddaughters, Olivia Bagley Cooper (Devon), Anna Balestracci and Shelby Balestracci; great grandchildren, Thomas Cooper and Patrick Beau Lee Stollar (on the way); brother, Stanley Roughton (Kathy); nieces, Cilia Rains and Rebecca Owens (John); nephew, Clint Roughton (Brittany); several great nieces and nephews that he adored; other relatives; his many former students and Alaskan friends, including his "adopted little sister" Susan Dunham and her son Layton Dunham.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Striffler-Hamby Chapel and will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636