Obituary of Paul Allen Richey

Batesburg, SC - Paul Allen Richey, 79 passed away peacefully on March 30, 2018. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late Elden and Thelma (Hazen) Richey, he was also predeceased by his sister, Karen Sohovich and his first wife Karen (Milobar) Gray. He was honorably discharged from the US Air Force in 1962 after serving as an Electronics Communications Monitor at the Eareckson Air Force Base on Shemya Island, Alaska. There he was the first person to hear the Radar Blips from the world's first artificial Earth Satellite, Sputnik, which was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. Formerly from Lexington, SC, he was employed by Carolina Eastman Kodak, Chemical Division, as an Electronics & Instrumentation shop foreman. He retired after 30 years. As a young father he was a Boy Scout Troop Leader. He helped train and prepare, then led his son's Troop on a six day camping and hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail. Making good memories for those young boys. He was an avid salt water fisherman. He bought and restored a 1968 35' Chris-Craft vessel and got his Captains License. He then chartered fishing and diving day trips from the Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor on Isle of Palms, SC. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Trecie Davis Richey, son Patrick Richey, daughter Julie Sumner, and grandchildren Michelle, Paula, and Windy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Joe Sohovich, and his children Chris, Joey, and Robin and their children. He was blessed with one surviving aunt, Marge Kannamacher and her daughter, Sharon Scott. The special care given to him by the Lexington Medical Center, Saluda Nursing and Rehab Center, MSA Home Health in Batesburg, Sandhills Family Practice in Lexington, the Wound Center in Newberry, and helper Dale with Sheppard's Helping Hands is all greatly appreciated. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Paul Richey, please visit our Tribute Store.