Clifford E. Richie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cliff Richie on August 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Cliff sustained serious injuries in a fall that occurred a few days before his passing. He was a beloved husband, father, step-father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, great-uncle and dear friend. Cliff was also grandfather to many wonderful grand-dogs over the years. He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.

Cliff was the eldest child of George and Sadie (Walters) Richie, who preceded him in death. He had three (3) brothers and four (4) sisters as well as a half-brother and half-sister. Cliff attended Mercerville High School and graduated in 1949. After graduation, he worked on his grandparents’ farm. Cliff always loved spending time with his grandparents, William and Rose Richie. In 1952 Cliff enlisted in the US Army. That same year, he married Georgia (Miller) Richie.

Cliff proudly served in the US Army for three (3) years with the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Division. He achieved the ranking of Sgt First Class upon his discharge in 1955. During his years with the US Army, he served with the 45th Infantry Division with the Thunderbirds during the Korean Conflict. Cliff earned a Korean Service Medal, an Overseas Service Bar, a Bronze Camp Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, a National Defense Service Medal, a UN Service Medal and a Bronze Star Medal with Merit. The Bronze Star is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Gallipolis, Ohio where he and Georgia purchased a lovely home along the Ohio River and started a family. Cliff began working for Federal Mogul where he remained until he took a job with Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials corporation. In 1968, the couple welcomed a beautiful daughter, Crystal Renee.

Cliff ultimately transferred within Celanese to Canada. He lived in Edmonton, Alberta for next 20 plus years. During his years in Canada, he married Frances (Barr) Richie, who moved to Alberta with him. They enjoyed traveling and spending time in the community of Sherwood Park. When Cliff retired from Celanese, he returned to his roots in southern Ohio, where he remained until his death.

Cliff was a member of New Life Church. Cliff also loved to fix things and was very handy throughout his lifetime. He was always quick to help a friend or neighbor with a home improvement project and he held the title of chief “fix it” officer at his church. Cliff was very active in researching his family roots and traced his family’s lineage back to the Revolutionary War. He loved to share the stories of what he discovered about the family with anyone who would listen.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Frances; his daughter, Crystal Renee and Crystal’s husband, John Mosher; his step-daughter, Julie Cook and Julie’s husband, Jon. He is also survived by two (2) sisters, Sandy Fierbaugh, Rhonda Hackley and Rhonda’s husband, David; a half-brother, Jim Ross and Jim’s wife, Marya and a half-sister, Sue Ross. Cliff was also blessed with many nieces and nephews as well as a few great nieces and nephews and he was involved in the lives of Frances’s 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Cliff was preceded in death by three (3) brothers and two (2) sisters.

As we lay Cliff to rest, let us remember the legacy of love and compassion he leaves behind. May his spirit find eternal peace and may his memory continue to bring comfort to the hearts of those who knew him and loved him.

Visitation is planned for Monday August 11, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home, with a graveside service, including full military honors beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Swan Creek Cemetery. All friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Cliff’s honor, to the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (S.N.A.P.) of Gallia County at P.O. Box 86 Gallipolis, OH 45631. Their website for online donations is www.snapofgalliacounty.org. This volunteer organization does remarkable work helping the dogs and cats of Gallia County and Cliff was a supporter of this charity throughout his lifetime.