Paul Richey

Paul David (Larry) Richey Sr, known by his family and friends as Papa, left for his heavenly home on Thursday May 10, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God gave him peace. Papa was born on February 7, 1944 in Missouri and brought back to Arkansas where is birth certificate was completed. So, if you asked him where he was from it was Arkansas but if you asked where he was born it was Missouri. His three sisters quickly gave him the nickname Larry that remained with him his entire life. Papa married the love of his life, Jean Brigman, on July 9th 1966 alongside of his brother George and Jean’s twin sister Joan during a double ceremony. Papa retired from Buick after 34 years.

He was blessed with a loving family, his dad George Orris Richey and mom Mary Winnie Simms, three sisters Betty (Art) Archer, Ella (Lenard) Mcginley and Imogene (Hardaway) Normand and brother George Ottis (Joan) Richey, two sons Paul David (Dawn) Richey Jr. and Dennis Gene (Debbie) Richey, five grandchildren Michael David (Laura) Richey, Stephanie Richey, Michelle Richey, Brittany (Cory) Perry-Klein and Matthew Richey and two great-grandchildren Zoe Richey and James Perry-Klien.

Papa loved animals especially horses. At one point he had 17 horses and enough animals to provide a petting zoo when needed. He loved to tell stories about his animals or the adventures he had with them or his friends. Papa never met a stranger. He traded his horses for race and demolition derby cars for a short time to love and be involved with his sons. He was a faithful member of the Millington Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a board member.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Betty and Ella, and parents Orris and Winnie.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 8 pm at the church. A service in memory of Papa will be held on Monday at 3 pm at Millington Church of the Nazarene.  A dinner will be provided following the interment at Gunnel cemetery. Hanlin Funeral Home has been assisting the Richey family with Paul’s arrangements.