H. Palmer Rich

With his family by his side, Horace “Palmer” Rich, 90, peacefully departed his earthly body early Sunday morning, March 8, 2026. He was born on December 16, 1935, in Brinson, Georgia and was the oldest of four children of Marvin and Mildred Thigpen.

Palmer was the recipient of many titles and accolades in his life though his two favorites were being Sibyl’s husband and “Dididdy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Palmer took tremendous pride in being first a grandfather to Katie, Morgan, Rich, and Anna and then a great-grandfather to Pierce, Wyatt, Palmer Kate, and Reese. He loved hard and with intention and often reminded his grandchildren that while they might think they “loved him more,” that he had “loved them longest.”

Aside from spending time in any capacity with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his favorite hobbies included fishing with Jennie on the Flint River, spending time at the Swicord farm with his best friend JB, reading westerns on the sun porch of the home he shared with his beloved wife of 52 years, and watching Georgia Bulldog football and Atlanta Braves baseball. In the last few weeks of his life, Chuck found him most nights of the week awake at midnight watching any college basketball game.

Palmer was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years, and several years ago was recognized as an Honorary Lifetime Deacon. Palmer also served 12 years on the Decatur County Commission, with 8 years as chairman. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1953, and the University of Florida School of Forestry. He retired from Southlands-International Paper Experimental Forest as Director of Operations.

Palmer was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Mildred, wife Sibyl, and brother Marvin. He is survived by his son Chuck Rich (Jennie), Karen Rich Ragan (Rick), granddaughter Katie Ragan Shaver (Kyle), granddaughter Morgan Rich Sullivan (Robyn), grandson Rich Ragan (Alyssa), and granddaughter Anna Rich Shiver (Zach). He is also survived by great grandchildren Pierce Shaver, Wyatt Shaver, Palmer Kate Shaver, and Reese Ragan. Also surviving are his two sisters, Harriett Smith and Merre Dorman.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Humphries officiating. A private interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery with Rich Ragan, Zach Shiver, Kyle Shaver, Chipper Smith, Harry Smith, Roger Edmunds, Elijah McCoy, Bubby Morris, and Rick Burhans serving as active pallbearers. The deacons of First Baptist Church and members of the Penney-Lambert Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army—Bainbridge Service Center, PO Box 786, Bainbridge, GA 39818. Salvation Army--Bainbridge