Vernon L Richie

Reverend Vernon L. Richie, age 59, a resident of Oldfort, following a lengthy illness, Jesus took his hand and led him home on Saturday, November 19, 2005. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him. He faithfully served the Lord in everything he did. He graduated from Tyner High School in Chattanooga and attended MTSU. Rev. Richie was a member of the Honestville Baptist Church in Ooltewah. He drove for Junior Sadler and Sons out of Nashville, contracted by USPS for 27 years. He held many positions in area churches serving as deacon, Sunday school teacher, musician, singer and preacher. He also sang and played bass for Heavens Family Ties Gospel Singers. His father, Bernard Richie, preceded him in death as well as two daughters: Lori Richie, and Mickie Richie Alleman. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Dorothea "Dottie" Richie of Oldfort; mother, Thelma Richie of Chattanooga; son-in-law, Donald "Junior" Alleman of Cleveland; and daughters and sons-in-law: Angie and Brian Crumley of Cleveland, and Lynda and John Murray of Stone Mountain, GA. Children, not by birth but of his heart, that gave their time and love before and during his lengthy illness include very special daughters and their families: Joyce Rose of Oldfort, Phyllis McKee of Ooltewah, DeAnna Withrow of Cleveland, Jackie Belcher of Oldfort, Carol Norwood of Benton, Tina Thomas of Charleston, and Tiffany Huckabey of Tunnel Hill, GA, and very special son and his family, Chris Samples. Other survivors include grandchildren: Donnie Alleman, Mikey and Ryan Crumley, Stephanie Whiteside, and Shannon Phelps; two great-grandchildren: Dylan and HayLee Phelps; very special friends: Jerry and Belle Samples, JoAnn Putnam, and Bill and Janice Burkhart; brothers and sisters-in-law: Randy and Phyllis Richie of Harrison, and Kenneth and Patty Richie of Summerville, GA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Freeman Curbow of Benton, and Patsy and Chris Reinert of Las Vegas, NV; and nieces and nephews: Andy Richie, Mollie Richie, Taylor Richie and Eddie Richie.