Recognizing the Life of Samuel Larry Richey

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Samuel Larry Richey who passed away Saturday, July 17 at NMMC Nursing Home in Pontotoc. He was a dedicated basketball coach, husband, and father. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss.

Mr. Richey did not expect or plan on becoming a boys basketball coach. He was hired as a teacher at Jumpertown and was hired as the assistant coach in 1967. He coached in Wheeler, Baldwyn and Mantachie over the course of his career. He brought seventeen boys teams to the Mississippi State Tournament and won six. His team was once ranked 29th all-time in the National Federation of Schools record book. He was named ``Coach of the Year: in multiple publications and by the time of his retirement, he was the winningest coach in Mississippi history.

Mr. Richey holds a bachelor's degree in business from Mississippi State University and served in the United States Armed Forces from 1958-1960. He was a member of Asbury Methodist church and enjoyed raising cattle, playing golf, and watching westerns.

Left to cherish his memory are wife of 57 years, Dale Gardner Richey; sons, Clark and Clay; grandsons Gardner, Gabe, Reggie, Maddux, Rob and Walker; granddaughters Kate, Lee-Anna, and Rylee.

I am grateful for Mr. Richey's legacy and the positive impact he had on countless young athletes. I offer my most sincere condolences to those who had the opportunity to know and love him.

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