David M. Rich Sr.
Date of Death
With family by his side, David M. Rich Sr., 82 passed through the gates of heaven to his eternal home on May 27th 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Panama City, FL.
Son of Evie Mae (Tiny) Rich, and E.J Rich, he was born September 1, 1942 in Port St. Joe, FL. He graduated from Port St. Joe High School. He took over his father’s grocery store at the age of 16. During his “retirement” years he traveled to horse shows, antique car shows, enjoyed fishing, and raised money for the Shriners. He loved his journeys traveling to find the perfect antique car, and spending time with his friends.
He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father, aunts and uncles, brothers, pets and his beloved daughter Kim Rich and grandson Kyle Rich. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Rich (Betty) of, FL; children: David Mitchell Rich, Jr of Panama City, David Christopher Rich of Wewahitchka, FL, Amy Rich Kirkus of Duluth, GA and husband Jason; seven grandchildren: Christopher Rich and wife Betsy, Kayla Rich Harrell and husband William, Stetson Rich and wife Kaitlyn, David Michael Rich, Jennifer Ramsey and husband Will, Tyler Kirkus, numerous great grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
David was a deeply beloved father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. In Big Dave fashion he told us he was ready to go and be with the Lord, including a finger gesture to let’s go.
While we lost our most beloved dad and husband, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, the life of the party, and even a glorious pain in the neck, to what I’m sure is a small select few (because no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he’d be by your side if you needed him). There was so much more to him than just dad and husband, though to us that was his greatest role – he was also a friend, a coworker and colleague, a cousin, brother, stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless, the list goes on and on.
We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we laugh and reminisce, and smile together during this time.
Funeral Services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka on Thursday, May 30th at 11 a.m. CST. The family received friends at the church on Thursday, May 30th from 10-11 a.m. CST. A graveside service was held in the Buckhorn Cemetery.
Wilson Funeral Home
214 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405
850-785-5272