Celebrating the life of
Joseph Perrin Richey
June 04, 1952 - April 02, 2025
With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Joseph Perrin Richey, on April 2, 2025, with his wife and children by his side. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, whose unexpected loss has left a void in the hearts of all who loved and knew him.
Joe was born in Columbia, SC on June 4, 1952. He graduated from H.V. Jenkins High School in 1970, and attended Armstrong State College.
In 1972, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Bunnie Wheeler. In 1988, they acquired Johnson Lighting Fixture Company, and worked side by side until they retired. After retirement, he combined his love of history and interacting with people from all over the world by spending two years at Old Savannah Tours, as a trolly tour guide.
Joe was a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of Savannah South. For many years, he and Bunnie were actively involved in the Georgia Rotary Student Program, where he served as trustee and was a Paul Harris and Will Watt Fellow.
Joe and Bunnie shared a passion of traveling around the United States in their motor home and spending time with family at their home in Montreat, NC.
Joe was a member of the Skidaway Island Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by this parents, Herbert L. Richey, Jr. and Ida Mae Richey; his brother, Mitchell Richey; and his sister, Robin Richey.
He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Bunnie Wheeler Richey; son, Britt Richey (Dallas) of Roswell, GA; daughters, Libby R. Kisch (Joe) of Canton, NC, and Emily R. Currin of Brooklet, GA; six grandchildren, Carson, Camden, and Cope Richey, Donovan Kisch, and Avery and Cale Currin. He is also survived by his brother, Hank Richey (Jennifer) of Montreat, NC; his sister-in-law, Martha Waters (Rusty) of Savannah, GA; and his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, April 14, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Georgia Rotary Student Program Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 61327, Savannah, GA 31420
We will cherish the friendship we formed so many years ago. A lot of funny, some not so funny but one of those friendships that just grows, even from far away. There are no words to rid the sorrow from our hearts but we feel all of the wonderful times we had together will help carry us through this loss. Heaven has truly gained a fabulous new angel. God rest your soul, Joe Richey. We truly love you, our FRIEND.
- Deyton, China Grove, NC
We met Joe and Bunnie in 2021 during one of their roadtrips and instantly connected with them. This thanks to their loving character and big hearts. We kept in touch over the years and had the most wonderful stay with them last summer in Montreat. We felt at home. We talk about our American friends all the time and we'll miss Joe deeply. His jokes, his knowledge, the sound of his laughter and the evening cigars. We love you Joe, always in our hearts.
- Julie, Breyten, Chip and Monty, HARELBEKE, Belgium
From the flower girl in your wedding all those years ago, rest in peace Joe. Praying for all the family and sending love during this difficult time.
- Amy Purser Shaheen, Indian Land, SC
Dear Bunnie and Family, I am so sorry to see the untimely loss of Joe. He was a fine man with a happy heart and big smile. I will keep you all in my prayers . God bless you and comfort you now and in the days ahead. With love, Jan
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Va. Beach, VA
I met Joe years ago at his Aunt Sara Lynn's home in Atlanta. I was invited to dinner when he was in town and since Sara did not have a dishwasher we often washed dishes together. Joe was a person easy to like, he enjoyed family, friends and life in general. I was surprised and saddened to hear of Joe's tragic accident and then his passing. Their are no answers to comfort your grief only wonderful memories of how special he was. My thoughts are with you all.
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- Lois Pippin, Atlanta, Georgia
There are no words to express the loss of such a dear friend. A wonderful neighbor and a generous and kind man. Your family will continue to be in our prayers.
- Malone, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Mon, April 14, 2025
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 10:30 a.m. on Tue, April 15, 2025
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
