Theodore “Ted” Rich was born in Tuscaloosa Alabama on March 11, 1934, to the late Tolley and Verdell Rich. Ted loved life, his family and helping people. He lived his life to the fullest spreading his joy to those around him. Ted peacefully returned to his heavenly Father on February 28, 2020.
Ted married Mabel Belton on December 30, 1951. He joined the United States Air Force in 1953. After honorably completing his military service, Ted and Mabel moved to California with their young daughter (Deborah) and son (Ted, Jr.). The couple were blessed with two more daughters (Pamela and Jacqueline).
Ted began his career with the State of California Youth and Adult Correctional Agency in 1960. The family moved to Stockton, California in 1967 when Ted began working as a Treatment Team Supervisor at O.H. Close School for Boys. His career with the State of California included positions as Assistant Superintendent at Preston School of Industry, Deputy Commissioner of the Board of Prison Terms, and the Executive Officer of the Board of Prison Terms. Ted retired from the State of California in 1997 after 37 years.
Ted accepted Christ in his life at a young age. He became a member of the Emanuel Baptist Church in the 1960s. For over 53 years, he was actively involved with the church including leading the church choir, and serving as a mentor to young people and other members of the church.
Community involvement was very important to Ted. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in community service. He served on several Boards including Chairman of the Board of the Central State Credit Union; Past President, Mother Lode Chapter, of the California Probation Parole and Correctional Association; Western Regional Vice President of the Association of Paroling Authorities; Past President of the Spornine Men’s Club; and a big brother for the San Joaquin Welfare Department. He was an honorary life member of the Y.M.C.A. He was also a member/First Chairman of a Committee to organize an Urban League Chapter in Sacramento; and he was the recipient of the James Edward Stratten Award, presented by the Association of Black Correctional Workers. He was very active in politics including managing the campaigns of several candidates for political office, including board of supervisors, school board and city council. He also served on the transition team for Governor Edmund Brown Sr.
Ted was preceded in death by his father, Tolley Rich; his mother, Verdell Rich Prince; his stepfather, Frank Prince; his sister, Florida Rich; and, his two brothers, Frank and Michael Prince. He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Mabel, his sister, Henrietta Vaughn, his children, Deborah Neely, Ted Rich, Jr., Pamela Rich and Jacqueline Rich (Wayne) Moore, his grandkids, Calvin Neely, Zachary and Kevin Rich, Alexia and Kristen Moore, his great grandson CJ Neely, a multitude of family and friends.
