Richard Wells Sappington

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

Richard “Rich” Wells Sappington, 75, of Olin, N.C., passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. Born on June 2, 1947, in Anne Arundel County, Md., he was the son of the late Ernest Wells Sappington and Frances Herpel Sappington.

Rich served in the United States Army and completed three tours of Vietnam. He was in the Tet Offensive for the United States Army in 1968 and received the Silver Star. During his service, Rich also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Rich retired after 33 years as the Assistant Superintendent from the Department of Public Works in Anne Arundel County, Md. He also served on the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department in Anne Arundel County, Md. Rich loved baseball, especially the Baltimore Orioles, and followed the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.

In addition to his parents, Ernest Wells and Frances Herpel Sappington, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Kay Sappington; and his sister, Frances Sweeney.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Richard “Rick” Wade Sappington of Harmony, N.C.; daughter, Susan Cochran of Olin, N.C.; grandchildren, Jessica Sappington, Emilie West, Jonathan Cochran, Zachary Sappington, and Jacob Cochran; and numerous other loving family and friends.

A Celebration of his Life with Military Honors will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, in the Chapel of Nicholson Funeral Home with Pastor James Lewis officiating. A catered reception with family and friends will follow the service at Nicholson Funeral Home.

For those who wish, Rich’s service can be viewed LIVE at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1655844759191414.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.secure.dav.org/donate.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.