Mr. Richard Hembree

February 15, 1949 - November 18, 2020

Richard Lee Hembree, age 71, of Lavonia, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. He was born, in Princeton, Indiana, on February 15, 1949 to the late Elbert and Mary (Beasley) Hembree. He was a veteran of the US Army, where he served during the Vietnam War. He retired from Kalamazoo Regional State Hospital. Following retirement, Richard moved to Lavonia and worked as a butcher for Quality Foods in Toccoa and Hartwell. He was an active member of the Lavonia First United Methodist Church, where he served on the prayer team, sang with the Celebration Choir, enjoyed meeting with the men’s fellowship, and was passionate about the Food 4 Kids program. Richard is survived by his beloved wife: Karen (Simon) Hembree of Lavonia; sons & daughters-in-law: Jeremy & Jessica Hembree and Darren & Jessi Hembree all of Kalamazoo, MI; daughter & son-in-law: Heather & Al Perkins of Galesburg, MI; grandchildren: Braden Hembree and Brody Hembree of Kalamazoo, MI, and A.J., Tyler, and Shelby Perkins of Galesburg, MI; brother & sister-in-law: Brian & Pam Hembree of Florida; aunt: Edna Utterback of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister: Jan Bruce; and brother: Mark Hembree. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Lavonia First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Hugh Hendrickson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Lavonia First United Methodist church, Food 4 Kids, P.O. box 176, Lavonia, GA 30553. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com. Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.