Tho the night is dark, it won't be very long. Thanks be to God, the morning light appears."
The storm passed over the afternoon of October 27th, 2019 on the 74th birthday of beloved and well Revered Richard James Tarrence (Richard White/"Dickey"). Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio on 1945 to Lillie Mae and Modest White. Richard grew up in Bedford, Ohio in which he established a solid Christian foundation as delegate and choir member of St. Paul and New Bethel A.M.E. churches. Richard participated in basketball, football, track and sang in the Men's Glee Club at Bedford High School. Richard also attended Wilberforce and Central State Universities as well as served an enlistment in the United States Air Force and later became a Vietnam Veteran.
In the late 1970s Richard moved to Maine and had a successful 25 year career as a claims manager at Allstate Insurance and obtained a degree at the University of Southern Maine for Criminal Justice. Richard continued his love of music, singing and service to God being a devoted member of Green Memorial A.M.E. in Portland, Maine and performing in theatrical productions of The Wiz, Showboat and A Christmas Carol.
Richard departed this life leaving behind many people throughout the world who love and respect him including, but not limited to Richard's sister Alicia, brother Quentin, son Richard W. Tarrence, daughter LaFeesa Tarrence, granddaughters, Keyana and Lilli. Furthermore, Richard leaves behind other dear family and friends who are also mourning his passing and celebrating his life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours for Richard Friday, November 1st, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. at Jones Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford St., Portland, ME 04103. A home coming funeral service will be held Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Green Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Portland Maine. Interment will take place at a later date in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery located in Augusta Maine.
