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Earl Jackson Rich Jr.

July 13, 2020

Earl Jackson Rich Jr. passed away of natural causes on July 13, 2020 in Brooksville, Fla.. Earl is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Sheryl Ann Rich. They are survived by their children, Kimberly Olpinski (Keith) and Earl C. Rich (Paola) and four grandchildren, Kierstin Olpinski, Katherine Laskay, Earl J. Rich, and Augustus J. Rich. Earl was born in Bainbridge, Ga. on November 4, 1946 to the late Earl J. Sr. and Georgia (Lane) Rich. His love of nature and wildlife was at the center of his life at the family’s property near Climax, Ga., called “Camp Flats”. After graduating from Cairo High School in 1965, Earl briefly attended the Birdwood Jr. College in Thomasville, Ga. before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. While stationed at Dow A.F.B. in Bangor, Maine, Earl met Sheryl on a skiing trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. The meeting was the epitome of “love at first sight.” They married on February 24, 1968 and stayed committed to one another for the remainder of their lives. A lifelong civil servant, Earl was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. During his time in the Air Force he traveled to exotic parts of the world with far too many adventures to mention. After leaving the Air Force, Earl dedicated 22 more years of his life working for the U.S. Postal Service until he retired in November 2009. Earl considered himself to be a rich and blessed man because he was loved by his friends and family. He was his own man who lived life to the fullest. Those around him had to hang on for the wild and crazy ride. He lived life beholden to none and made a lasting impression on those who had the good fortune of knowing him during his life.

Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.