Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Jay Richey
Sep 7th, 1943 - Aug 26th, 2021Jay D. Richey, age 77, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 26, 2021, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
He was born September 7, 1943, in Olney, the son of Jacob Donald and Mildred Mae (Mattoon) Richey. He married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Jo Bemount, on June 1, 1963, just after she finished school.
Jay had graduated from Flora Township High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After the wedding, he and Pam drove over 3,700 miles to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, and began what would be part of a 29-year around-the-world life journey while he was on assignment. He trained and specialized in Aircraft Maintenance, Systems Management, and Aerospace Propulsion. Jay served in Vietnam during his extensive service career, and eventually retired as Chief Master Sergeant in 1990.
He later drove a school bus, and served on the Flora Volunteer Fire Department and the Clay County Board. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Air Force Association, Louisville American Legion Post 914, the NRA, and the Bible Grove Sportsman’s Club. Jay enjoyed collecting die cast models of International Tractors, and he shared a close bond with his much-loved dogs, Ginger & Gilligan. Later in life, his grandchildren became his greatest sense of pride, and sustained the lasting, loving memories that he and Pam had shared with their family.
He is survived by his children, Donald (Terry) Richey of Millbrook, Alabama, Douglas Richey of Flora, and Darla (Matt) Worthey of Louisville; grandchildren, Alexandria Richey, Jacob Richey, Macy Worthey, Lily Worthey, and Ty Worthey; a sister, Myra (Bill) Lincoln of Clovis, New Mexico; and a special cousin, Susan Foster of Sumner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved wife of 51 years, Pam Richey, who passed away on September 15, 2014.
A graveside ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora, beginning with the presentation of military funeral honors. Memorial donations are suggested to North Clay FFA, and these will be accepted through Frank & Bright Funeral Home. To share a condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com