Roland D. Rich

Roland D. Rich, 75, of Lufkin, was born November 15, 1936 in Blairsville, Georgia. He is the son of the late Mamie (Deaver) and Benjamin Harry Rich. He passed away Monday, September 17, 2012 in a local hospital after an extensive battle with numerous cancers.

Although Mr. Rich began working for a soda shop at 13, he retired from I.B.M. after over 31 years of service as a Field Service Technician, where he was consistently recognized with prestigious service awards. Early on, he also found work as a police officer, geological survey technician, and as a small business owner.

A strong Christian, Roland was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas for many years, serving on many committees, in the assembly choir, and he took great pleasure in being a Sunday School teacher.

Mr. Rich was very involved in his community. He was an active member of the Lufkin Evening Lions Club for many years, serving as President several times and as Regional Deputy Governor. Additionally, he served on the Lufkin Workshop board of directors, was a founding board member of Love, Inc., and served on the board of Area 7 Special Olympics. Over the years, he coached for Lufkin Youth Baseball Association on several occasions.

Mr. Rich loved his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy for 4 years as a communications electrician and then served in the U. S. Navy Reserves for another 6. He was active in local, state, and national politics. As the Angelina County Republican Chairman, he participated in recruiting candidates, coordinating campaign election efforts, and attending both State and National Republican conventions as a voting delegate.

Survivors include his wife, Bea Rich of Lufkin; his first wife, Patricia Rich; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Mishelle Rich of Spring, TX, Brent and Kimberly Rich of Nacogdoches, TX, and John and Cindi Andrews of Lufkin, TX; grandchildren, Aaron Landrum, Joshua Rich, Cory Rich, Brendan Rich, Erik Rich, Matthew Rich, Kerstin Andrews, and Lauren Rich; great-granddaughter, Payton Riley Rich; brothers, Solomon Howard Rich and Wendell Rich, and a number of extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rich was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Landrum; and sister, Carmel Rich-Tetherow.

Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Fellowship of the Cup and Roland’s Sunday School class, The Adult III Sunday School Class of Calvary Baptist Church.

A memorial service for Mr. Rich was held at Calvary Baptist Church on Friday, September 21, 2012, with Bro. Randy Brown, and Bro. Bob King officiating, with a celebration reception for family members and close friends immediately after.