Rev. James Hobert Rich

Reverend James Hobert Rich passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

James was born on June 29, 1938, in Ball Ground, Georgia, to the late Hobert Abraham Rich and Nettie Wigington Rich. He grew up in Nelson, Georgia, and was saved at Nelson Baptist Church. He joined his family church, Hightower Church, and was baptized there.

As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Lucille Holbert. They were married in 1956, and together they raised 5 children.

James was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Karen, Sister, Wilma Rich Forrester, and son, Gary.

He leaves to cherish his memory with love and pride, his devoted wife of 69 years, Lucille Holbert Rich, his children, Randy (Dianne), Sandra (Keith), Tammie (Jimmy), Kirk (Christy), and Gary’s love, Cathy Hill. Grandchildren, Eric (Candice), Emily (Austin), Mallory (Ryan), Wesley, Trenton, Nathan, Jonathan, and Seth; great-grandchildren, William, Sullivan, Cohen, Cooper, Waverly, Pierce, and McCrae. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Helen Rich Walker, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

James lived a Godly life of joy as a beloved husband, Dad, Granddad, Great-Grandad, Pastor, and friend. He poured his heart into his church work and his treasured family. He had a servant’s spirit, always giving and always present. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968 and, over the years, pastored churches in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Bartow Counties. His caring warmth and love of the Lord endured him to his church families, which made him a treasured figure in the lives of many.

He spent his working years at the Georgia Marble Company, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and finally at Lockheed Martin, where he finished his career as a quality control inspector. He retired in 1990 to return to his passion for farm life.

James lived his life serving the Lord. His legacy lives on in stories shared, lives touched, and the families and churches he nurtured.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, September 27th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the Funeral hour.

The funeral honoring his life will be held in the chapel of South Canton Funeral Home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastors Greg Hamilton and Ronnie McCormick officiating.

Interment will follow at Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery, Nelson, Georgia.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Granddaughters and special friends, Richard and William Haithcock.

In lieu of flowers Donations are to be made to the Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or the Charity of your choice in his Memory.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com