Howard Michael Rich, 64, died the evening of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, N.C., after an aggressive battle with cancer. Michael is the son of the late Howard Rich and the late Jane Farris.

Michael is survived by his wife of 17 years, Rosemary (Rose) Rich; son Jeremiah Stanton-Rich and daughter-in-law Caitlin of Todd, N.C.; stepson David Cohen of Cornelius, N.C.; and sister JoAnne Hastings and husband Bill of Tampa, Fla., as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Born into a military family in Paris, France on November 7, 1960, Michael spent his childhood and teen years on several Air Force bases, including Germany, North Dakota, Colorado and Florida. He claims Elba, Ala., as his home base, where he attended high school. A lifelong learner, Michael attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, then proceeded on to Duke Divinity School, where he earned a Ph.D in Divinity and Religion, and University of Maryland where he earned a Ph.D in Recreation.

After hearing a call to ministry as a teen, Michael spent his life in the service of others as a United Methodist pastor. His passion for the pulpit took him to many churches in Western North Carolina and even Japan, but the mountains of Western North Carolina called him back where he continued to serve until his retirement in 2023. Overall, Michael spent over 40 years in ministry, attending to God’s flock and making an impact on many communities by organizing volunteer events, serving the needy and counseling the many souls who sought his guidance.

Michael loved playing and listening to music, especially Bluegrass. He loved and cherished his cats, Blackie and Ellie, who spent many hours in his lap. Michael also enjoyed traveling with his wife Rose, and enjoyed taking and displaying photographs. He was a man of few words but with a heart so big that it changed the lives of everyone he encountered. He will be truly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 575 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. The family will greet friends at a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Council on Relief (UMCOR), GPO, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068, or to Williamson’s Chapel, 575 Brawley School Road, Mooresville NC 28117.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is proudly serving the Rich family.