E.B. Rich

E.B. and his brother grew up on their parent’s farm in Sunny Home, right outside of Brilliant. As a young boy, he worked hard plowing and tending to the garden and horses. E.B. would walk miles to see the love of his life, Ara Belle, and later in high school drove a bus so he could visit her at her mother’s café, where they would later marry. In high school he was an outstanding athlete playing baseball, basketball, and football for the Brilliant High Tigers. His football talent earned him a scholarship to Itawamba Junior College. He was later inducted into the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame. He joined the Army and served as a ROTC instructor during his service. In 1953, he started working at U.S. Steel. After 11 years he joined The United Steelworkers as Labor Representative. He served on many committees, won honors and awards, negotiated numerous international contracts; but his love for his family and friends was what he was proudest of. He never missed an opportunity to help others. He always wanted everyone to know how proud he was of his family and gave all the credit to Ara Belle for their beautiful family. He loved to cook, and cooking on Sunday nights are a special memory that his girls will always remember. He was ahead of the times with his special White BBQ sauce. He loved to cook for crowds and opening their home to everyone. His love for Ara Belle was truly a special and unique love story. After he retired, his devoted his life to taking care of Ara Belle and his grandchildren. His love for gardening was enjoyed by many. He was most proud of his garden from just a few years ago where he taught his grandchildren and great grandchildren not only how to garden, but how to work hard, share your wealth with others, and enjoy the happiness of giving to others.

E.B. was preceded in death by his parents, Martis Andrew and Mattie Barton Rich, brother J.B. Rich, his loving wife of 66 ½ years, Ara Belle Self Rich, and son-in-law (Ralph Bates). He is survived by his three daughters: Cheryl Bates, Patti Johnson (David) , and Lori Parsons (Todd), sister-in-law Danlyu Self Burnett; Grandchildren: Jojo (Kimberly) Bates, Britney Bates, Michael (Misty) Johnson, Malia (Steven) Mitchell, Meredith Smith, Andrew (Victoria) Johnson, Triston Parsons, Bailey Parsons, and eight great grandchildren; special nephews that were like sons, Steve Burnett, Randy Smith and Allen Holocmb, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a faithful member of the North Gardendale Church of Christ.

Celebration of Life Services for E.B. will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with a time of visitation to begin at 1:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. No Graveside Service. The family would like to give a special thanks to The Covenant Place in Gardendale where E.B. and Ara Belle resided the last few years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the RICH family.