Hephzibah, GA – Mr. Richard Fishel, 74, loving husband of 50 years to Barbara Fishel was welcomed home by his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, September 3, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandchild, Stephen Michael Fishel, who he is
now reunited with and rejoicing in heaven with in the presence of Jesus.
Richard was born in Lucedale, MS, as the second oldest of ten children. From high school, he joined the United States Army on April 18, 1968 and on November 5th, 1968, he was sent to Vietnam where he served two tours of duty. He served our country for 20 years in the U.S. Army and retired at Ft. Gordon.
Family members, in addition to his wife, include his children: Rich Fishel (Melanie) and Barbara Johann (Matt); his beloved grandchildren, whom he loved so very much and was so proud of and to be called Opa and Grandpa by: Austin Fishel(Aleah), the late Stephen Fishel, Rachel Johann, and Carson Johann; and
his great grandchild: Beau Richard Fishel. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Patricia Shelton of Tyler, TX, and his brothers Charles Fishel of Littleton, CO, and Carl Fishel of Sacramento, CA.
Richard loved his church and served faithfully as a deacon, the Senior Men’s Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir, and men’s prayer meeting leader on Thursdays. He had a heart for missions and supported many foreign mission teams. During his year-long illness, he missed serving and being with his
church family at Hephzibah Baptist Church. The family would like to thank all of the church members for their love and care throughout his illness; you truly displayed the love of Christ to him in your loving service to him and his family.
The family would also like to extend our gratitude to the staff at the uptown VA Hero’s Point hospice unit. He was there only for a short time, but always spoke of the great care he was receiving and he was so grateful for all you. Thank you for caring so well for him and always being so kind to him and us throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hephzibah Baptist Church to their International Mission Board offering, 2527 GA-88, Hephzibah, GA 30815.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 6, 2023 beginning at 1:00 P.M. at Hephzibah Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Michael Wren officiating. Interment will follow in Hephzibah City Cemetery.
Thomas Poteet& Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at
www.thomaspoteet.com