Richard P. Noel Jr.

Richard “Dick” Poole Noel, Jr., 69, surrounded by his family and deeply secure in our Lord Jesus Christ, went to his eternal home on July 4, 2017. Visitation will be held this Friday, July 7, 2017, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Parkway Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, MS. The service will be held at 11 A.M. at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church Saturday, July 8, 2017.

Dick was born in Jackson, MS, on March 8, 1948, to Lorene and Poole Noel. Dick had a very colorful youth growing up in the Belhaven neighborhood and enjoying life to the fullest with his friends. He was a graduate of Murrah High School and had many fond memories of that time. Dick loved working with the reunion committee, getting together with his friends, and reminiscing about their many “pranks.” Dick received a degree in business from Mississippi State University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Dick met his wife Lauren on a blind date on March 25, 1967. They were married on December 5, 1970. Right after they were married, Dick began his service with the Navy as an intelligence officer. After training as an Arabic linguist, they moved to Cyprus and were stationed there for one year. When Dick returned from active duty in 1973, he began work at Mutual of New York Insurance Company where his father worked. Dick gained much knowledge and furthered the bond with his father who taught him the value of personal relationships with clients. Dick was a man of integrity and understood the person was more important than the sale. He worked with the company as they transitioned through different management, now known as AXA advisors, until his death.

Dick was known by all who met him as the kindest man with a servant’s heart. He was passionate about his church, hunting, and fishing. He looked for any opportunity to lead people to the Lord. He had a great memory and loved to quote scripture as well as lines from one of his favorite movies, “Animal House.” Dick was an avid duck hunter as well as an excellent duck caller and could talk “their” language. His favorite place on earth was sunrise in the swampy cypress knees. When duck season ended, his attention turned to bass fishing. This was a passion instilled at a young age by his grandmother. He always had a story to tell and a smile on his face.

He loved making memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren whether boating/skiing or swinging on the porch. He especially enjoyed the annual family beach vacations and the days were counted down to it each year!

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Lauren; a daughter, Adelle Noel Johnson (Jeremy); a son, Richard Poole Noel, III (Crissy); as well as 4 grandchildren, Ella Varee Johnson, Sophia Noelle Johnson, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Harlan Johnson, and Richard “Aubrey” Noel. He is also survived by his sister’s children, Terry Everett and Ellen Everett and his sister in law and brother in law Barbara and Ralph Sulser and their children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rena Noel Everett.

The family is grateful to the compassionate care given by Dr. Carolyn Bigelow and Dr. Carter Payne Milner, UMC Cancer Center, as well as nurses, Tyrasa and Mindy with St. Joseph Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Missions Fund at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church.