RICHLANDS  -  Jerry Lee Rich, 72, of Richlands, died Friday, October 31, 2025 at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home, Richlands Chapel with Rev. Preston Heath officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

Mr. Rich was a member of Turner's Chapel Church for over 50 years, where he genuinely enjoyed serving in numerous capacities to include singing in the choir and serving as a deacon.  He loved practically anything to do with the outdoors, whether it was hunting, spending time at the beach, being on the tractor or spending time on his son's farm.  More than that, he loved being with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Franklin Rich and Dorothy Thigpen Rich; brother, Norman Edward Rich and his wife, Helen; and one sister, Joyce Roark.

He is lovingly survived by his wife and best friend for over 50 years, Janice Jones Rich of the home; son, Jeremy Lee Rich and his wife, Taylor of Kinston; daughter, Jennifer Rich Jacobs and her husband, Robert of Deep Run; grandchildren, Jason Robert Jacobs and Holden Rhett Rich; a special nephew, Jeffrey Lee Taylor and his wife, Mary and their children, Zackrey and Zoey; his brother and sister in Christ, Mike and Teddye Park; and siblings, Donald Ray Rich and his wife, Linda, Gregory Rich and his wife, Lisa, Sandra Stanley and her husband, Donald, Delores Padgett, Cynthia Phillips and Nelson Rich and his wife, June.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 – 8 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 137 Ervintown Road, Richlands.