Mr. Earl Ray Rich, age 78 of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away after a 12-year battle with kidney cancer. The cancer was thought to have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. He died peacefully on December 19, 2024 at home surrounded by his family and family pets.

Earl was born July 3, 1946 in Sparta, Tn to the late Martin Harm Rich and Mandy Mae Stacy Rich. He graduated from White County High School in 1965 before entering the United States Navy in 1966 to serve in Vietnam. After serving in the Navy, Earl continued to serve in the U. S. Naval Reserve. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1973 with a bachelor degree in Business. From 1974-1982 Earl was an accountant at Rockford Textiles in McMinnville, Tennessee. In 1981 he transferred from the U. S. Naval Reserves to serve in the United States Air Guard. Earl soon after began working at the 118th Airlift Wing in Nashville, TN. Earl was a CMSgt budget officer. After 40 years of military service, Earl retired from the Air Guard in 2006. Not being ready to completely retire, Earl then began work as a civilian state employee at the 118th Civil Engineer Squadron as a Resource Advisor. He worked 6 years before retiring due to a kidney cancer diagnosis in 201. After completely retiring Earl loved to say that when you retire, every day is a Saturday. Earl fought a good fight and he finished the race well in his battle with cancer. In the 12 years he lived with cancer, he never complained and he gave God thanks in all circumstances. He became a light to many struggling with cancer as he would always be there to listen and offer words of encouragement to dear friends as well as strangers, he would meet at Vanderbilt Cancer Center. He was loved by all his doctors, nurses and caregivers because of the joy that he possessed.

In 1968, as a sailor he met Ching Hsieu Huang (aka Linda) in a bookstore in Taiwan. It was truly love at first sight. Earl was not only drawn to Linda's beauty but also her outgoing spirit and kind heart. After writing letters for a year, they married in 1969 in Cambridge England. Afterwards, they moved to Roda Spain where they lived a year before returning to Earl's hometown of Sparta, TN. In 1970, they welcomed their only child, a baby girl they named Susie Huang Rich.

Earl was a man after God's own heart. He was a Christ follower who had the most wonderful relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He not only read and studied the Holy Word of God, but he did his best to live it out. He loved to tell others about the only One who can give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. God's peace and joy rested in Earl regardless of circumstances.

Family was very important to Earl. He loved spending time with his family any chance he got. He was a loving and patient husband and father. He was an exceptional father-in-law and amazing grandfather. He loved animals especially his grand dogs and cockatiel. Earl made countless memories with his  grandchildren Alex and Jodi. Whether it was going to a bookstore and getting a decaf vanilla latte to spending an afternoon watching football games on tv, he used every opportunity he had to pour into his grandchildren's lives. Earl was a friend and mentor to many. Earl was an avid reader. He loved to jog and work out at the gym. He loved good food and had quite the sweet tooth. The family dachshund, Barney ,brought him much comfort and many smiles.

In addition to his parents, Earl is preceded in death by his brother James Martin Rich and three sisters Edwinda (Rich) Nash, Lorene (Rich) Kirby, and Janie (Rich) Minnear.

Surviving family members include his wife Ching (Linda) Rich of Smyrna, TN

Daughter: Susie Chambers and husband Bob of Smyrna, TN

Grandchildren: Alex Chambers and Jodi Chambers

Brothers: Johnny Rich and John G. Savage

Earl is also survived by many nieces and nephews and countless friends

Earl attended World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, December 28, 2024 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. The family will receive friends after 11:00 am with the funeral service to follow at 1:00pm. Randall Kirby will officiate.

In keeping with Earl's wishes, cremation will follow. In lieu of ceremonial flowers a donation in the memory of Earl can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org