Richard G. Blythe

Richard worked with Carolina Telephone/Sprint for over 30 years.

Richard was one of the first state certified Fire Service Instructors for the North Carolina Department of Insurance. He has been an instructor for fire and rescue, and an instructor for Incident Command classes. In 1983 Richard won the Sprint Scupping Award which is the highest award for humanitarian service. In 1993 he brought the North Carolina Fireman’s Association Conference to New Bern. He was on the board of the New Bern Fireman’s Museum. He was a Volunteer firefighter for New Bern Fire Department and other departments for over 40 years, past chief of New Bern Fire Department 1986, 1994, and 1998. He was a past chief of West New Bern Fire Department. He was recognized by past mayor, Ella Bengel for his excellence beyond the call of duty, and he received Firefighter of the Year for Craven County in 1998. Richard received the Distinguished Service Award for Craven County Fireman’s Association in 1994, and Craven County Fire Fighter of the Year in 1998. He was a member of Bern Lodge and Past Master in 2014. He was a Shriner and member of the New Bern Shrine Club. He was a member of the Sudan Chef Crew and Order of Jesters. Richard was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Richard was fondly known as a walking historian when it comes to New Bern and Craven County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Braxton and Margaret Blythe and Richard G. Mebus.

Richard is survived by his wife Betty, four brothers, Toby Blythe of Jacksonville, Dana Mebus (Gayla) of California, Darce and Deno Mebus, both of Texas, and one sister, Patty Gray of Cove City.

His service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial with Fire Fighters honors and Masonic Rites will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605.