Rick danced to a different drummer and led an adventurous life to say the least. On Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Rick left on his final great adventure following a brief illness.
After graduating from WSCC with a degree in nursing and after practicing in the Pediatric Intensive Care Setting for a number of years, Rick went on to complete an education in nurse anesthesiology to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Additionally, Rick attained his third degree in the Reiki method of natural healing and licensure as a massage therapist.
Rick held membership in DAN, Divers Alert Network for a number of years, and took flying / pilot lessons. Unfortunately, in the end he was not able to get his pilot license due to health issues. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing and song writing, even cutting some CDs of his own songs while singing and playing the guitar. Rick also enjoyed gardening and numerous house plants. Rick also thoroughly enjoyed being G-daddy to his grandchildren. Rick traveled the world and was planning another trip with son Matt at the time of his passing.
Rick accepted the gift of salvation as a child at the age of nine, but spent a period of his life searching for fulfillment through new age religions. In the end, Rick returned to his roots. He mentioned that he prayed for his children and grandchildren every night.
When asked, “Oh, to some higher power?”, he replied, “No, I pray to God”.
Preceded in death by parents, Alvin Burnette (A.B.) and Angie Earnestine Roach;
sister and brother-in-law, Diane & David Breeden and ex-wife #1 Eric Jentzsch.
Rick is survived by son, Matt Jentzsch, son, Bernie Roach (Karrie) with grandsons Ethan, Eli & Ean; daughter, Angie Moore (Andrew) with grandson, Arlo, and son Zack (Heather) with granddaughter, Elsie Claire; sister, Susan Thomas (Gary); nieces, Alicia Caito; nephews, Richard Breeden & Scott Breeden; ex-wives # 2 Sheryl Hogan (favorite ex) and # 3 Lisa Crekmur. Rick also collected many good friends and neighbors over the years.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shriners, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607, who have done much to help Ethan, or Friends of the Smokies, 3099 Winfield Dunn Pkwy #2, Kodak TN 37764. These were two of Rick’s favorite charities.
Special thanks to Island Home Park Rehab & Health Care and U.T. Hospice for their support in transitioning to the final adventure.
The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Saturday, November 6, 2021 between the hours of 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM in the Parlors of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy Knoxville, TN 37920.
Friends are invited to share fond memories of Rick and sign his online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
