February 9, 2023, 94, Goldsboro –

Max Mellon Rich, 94, passed away Thursday at Willow Creek nursing home. He was the son of the late Evan and Fannie Rich and was the husband of the late Gloria Booth Rich. He was a retired foreman with Bethlehem Steel. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of Faro Chapel Church. He was a self-educated man, he only finished the third grade, but built his own house. He worked on it at night after a full twelve-hour shift. When he thought he was finished, he dug out a basement with a shovel and bucket. Whatever he set his mind to, he could do. He loved to garden and grow things, and took pride in doing most things on his own.

A graveside service to celebrate Max’s life will be held Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Jim Willoughby officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. 

Max is survived by his children, Jeannie Willoughby, and husband, Jim, Debra Butcher and husband, Milton, and Max Rich Jr and wife, Jennifer; brother, Hammer Rich; sisters, Pat Diffenbach and husband, Barry and Edith Rich; brother in law, that he raised as a son, Billy Booth; grandchildren, Chuck Willoughby and wife, Jamie, Janeen Butcher, Ethan Willoughby, Stephen Rich and wife, Rae, and Amber Rich; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild and one on the way; and friends, Margret and Johnny Owens, Harold Batten, and Kay Rose.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Faro Chapel Church, 3616 Big Daddy’s Rd, Fremont, NC 27830.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Rich family, and online condolences can be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com