Richard Earl Pepper

Richard (Dick) Pepper passed away peacefully in his sleep the evening of Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Presbyterian Village Athens while in skilled nursing. He was 88 years old. During the day he was surrounded by loving family and friends.

Memorial service is December 8, 2024 at Smoke Rise Baptist Church 2:00 pm. The family will visit at the church from 1:00 pm to servicetime.

He is preceded by his mother, Dorothy and father, Lawrence, Pepper. He is survived by his beloved wife Sara Anne, 3 sons Rick (Patty), Greg (Julie) and Matt (Samantha) Pepper. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rich (Iliana), Gregory, Drew, Timoth, Annika, Jake and Max, and one great grandson Jack Pepper. He was their loving Pa.

Dick was born October 31, 1936, in Baltimore, MD. Later his family moved to Ottumwa, IA. Dick graduated from Iowa State University in 1958, followed by being a Naval aviator, based in Eva Beach, Hawaii. This led to his career as a pilot for Delta Airlines for 31 years.

Dick & Sara Anne met in Pensacola, FL, and were married in August of 1961.

Dick loved flying, but he was always ready for meaningful activities. He and Sara Anne and several other families were led to help lay the groundwork of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in the late 1960’s. He had many leading roles in the church during the years and loved the church dearly. He was involved in the boys’ athletic activities, Boy Scouts, etc.

Another meaningful endeavor was being involved in African Children’s Mission as a member of the board, and he made several trips to Uganda in its support. He joined several international mission teams sponsored by Smoke Rise as a way of giving back for all his blessings.

Dick was a family man, and loved Sara Anne and all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild so much. He leaves a legacy of deep faith filled with love and compassion for his family, friends, and life. He will be genuinely missed.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to either, Smoke Rise Baptist Church, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 or African Children’s Mission, African Children’s Mission, PO Box 26470, Birmingham, AL 35260.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com