Billy Wayne Rich Sr.

Billy W. Rich Sr. (Bill) went home to be with his Lord on Friday, September 23, after a long battle with dementia and cancer. He will be missed by his family and friends in New Bern and High Point, North Carolina. Bill was born on October 29, 1937 to Lacy C. Rich and Ruby Pinyon Rich in High Point. He graduated from Jamestown High School, then entered the US Air Force, serving four years. When he left the Air Force, he joined the High Point Police Department, retiring in 1987. Later he owned and operated Rich Color Painting Company, a Tom’s Snack delivery business, and worked in the paint department at Lowe’s Home Improvement in High Point. After moving to New Bern in 1997, he worked in the paint department at the New Bern Lowe’s.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Sarah Hedgecock Rich, and a sister, Kathy Rich Marsh. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Hunter Auman Rich of the home. There are two sons, Billy Rich Jr. of Archdale, NC. and Benny Auman (Beth) of Greensboro, NC. There are three daughters: Angie Rich Morris of Denton, NC; Dr. Susan D. Rich of Maryland, and Patti Rich Asbill (Scott) of Archdale, NC There are ten grandchildren: Brook Auman Culbertson (Justin) of Burlington, Ethan Rich of Wilmington, Preston Rich of USAF Colorado, Avery Rich of Florida, Sarah Rich of US Navy, California, Lexie Auman of Greensboro, Briana and Aidan Hickey of Maryland, and Evan and Lorilie Asbill of Archdale. There are two great granddaughters, Lovelyn and Elaina Culbertson of Burlington. He has one brother: Roger Rich of High Point, NC, and two sisters: Ann Chambers (Jimmy) of Va. and Gail Cheek (Tommy) of High Point. There are several nieces and nephews.

Bill was a member of Temple Baptist Church in New Bern. He was an ordained Deacon. He served as president of his Sunday school class, an usher and a member of the First Impressions Team. He was a volunteer with the Rainbow Prison Ministries for the Prisons Rehabilitative Programs for Craven County and Pamlico County.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Temple Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Pennington and Pastor Darryl Radford officiating, Monday September 26 at Temple Baptist Church at 11 o’clock. Visitation will be at Cotton Funeral home Sunday, September 25, from 6 PM until 8 PM.

A visitation and short Memorial service will be held in High Pont, North Carolina at Cumby Funeral Home in Archdale on Tuesday, September 27 at 6 PM.