Deacon Perry Oral Richie

Deacon Perry Oral Richie, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 7, 2026. His family finds comfort in believing that he watches over them in God’s loving care. He was born on April 13, 1952, in Poplar Bluff to the late John Henry and Flora L. (Baker) Richie.

Perry proudly served in the United States Navy as an “Infantry Gun Crew Seamanship Specialist,” from December 29, 1971, to December 9, 1974. During that time, he served aboard USS Kitty Hawk, a U.S. Navy supercarrier. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve from 1974 to 1979. His support of military operations in Vietnam helped shape his dedication and diligent work ethic.

His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal and as recorded in the family’s account, the Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze service star awarded in 2017. The bronze service star denotes participation in a qualifying campaign.

Perry married his soulmate, June (Richard) Richie, on November 23, 1983. For 43 years, they shared a love rooted in faith, friendship, and devotion. Sharing the same birthday, wearing matching colors to church, and going places together were among their special joys. Through life’s blessings and challenges, they continued to joke, laugh, and cherish one another. They learned never to go to bed upset with each other, choosing forgiveness and understanding. Their enduring love reflected the unconditional love God has demonstrated to us.

Perry retired from Butler County Courthouse after 40 years of faithful service. He approached his work with loyalty, integrity, and humility, never seeking recognition. Dedicated to the people he served, he was someone his peers could count on. He took pride in completing his tasks and knew that his contributions mattered.

Perry was ordained a deacon at Central Baptist Church on October 5, 2014. With humility, compassion, and a deep love for God and others, he faithfully supported worship, prepared and served the Lord’s Supper, welcomed others, and fostered fellowship. His servant’s heart leaves a legacy of kindness and love, fondly remembered by his church family.

In his leisure time, Perry enjoyed relaxing in his favorite recliner with a cup of black coffee, watching Westerns and the Weather Channel. He also took delight in his red truck. Perry was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, proudly sporting red and white, while June remained loyal to the Dallas Cowboys in royal blue, silver, and white. Their rival team loyalties added to the fun they shared. He enjoyed gospel music and the Blues from artist such as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown.

Perry had a tender heart for children and mentored them throughout the years. He extended that same compassion to those caught up in the system, offering steady encouragement and a willingness to help, regardless of their background or circumstances. A selfless man, he showed his love for his family through lifelong care and support. His strength lay not only in his character but also in his kindness—in the way he stood beside others when they needed someone to believe in them.

Perry helped care for his sister, Claudette, and played a deeply meaningful role in raising his nephew, Jamaal. As Jamaal’s guardian and caretaker, he freely gave kindness and devotion, nurturing a bond rooted in love. His presence and care made him a pillar of strength for his family and his community. His legacy lives on in the people he touched, the care he offered, and the enduring bonds he nurtured.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John Richie, Jr., Glen Richie, Donald Richie, Larry Richie, and Fredrick Keith Richie; his sister-in-law, Beatrice (Bea) Richie; his sister, Claudette (Kenny) Richie; his son, Perry Webb; and his best friend, Arthur Webb.

Perry leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, June (Richard) Richie; his blended family of children, one daughter Nikki (Clay) Abner of Kansas City, Missouri, four sons, Jermain and Jeremy Webb of Atlanta, Georgia, Carlos (Jennifer) Edwards of Tuckerman, Arkansas, and Anthony Richard of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and his daughter-in-law, Mary (Peppy) Webb of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His grandchildren include Essence Arrington, Brianna Arrington, and Clay Abner, Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; Amaya Richard of St. Louis, Missouri, Quinn Johnson of Rolla, Missouri, Janaya (Daniel) Harris of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Talia Jefferson-Webb of St. Louis, Missouri; Perry Webb, Jr. of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Kallista Barker, Julia Barker, and Peyton Edwards of Tuckerman, Arkansas. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, Tucker Harris, and Lucas Harris of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; also, his caring godson, Justin Eastin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

He is, likewise, survived by his four brothers, Jerry Richie, Michael Richie and Dale Richie of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Howard Richie of Beloit, Wisconsin; and his countless loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and host of cousins.

Perry cherished his longstanding friendships with Pat Little and Ricky Magness.

Perry will always be remembered as a devoted husband; a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend; plus, a faithful servant, child, and friend of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:15).

We take comfort in knowing that Deacon Perry Oral Richie is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 21:4

May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home 701 Vine St. Poplar Bluff, MO, from 10 a.m. -11 a.m.

The homegoing service will begin at 11 a.m. and burial will follow at City Cemetery, with full military honors.

Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Perry Richie family.