Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Jim and Lillian Edith Gambrell Smith Richey. A 1960 graduate of Honea Path High School, Robert Earl was a member of Honea Path First Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a member and Past Master of Centre Lodge #37 A.F.M. and was a veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard. He had previously worked in textiles, and retired from Life of Georgia Insurance. After retirement, he worked part time at White Jones in Anderson. Robert Earl volunteered with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed deer hunting.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 60 years of the home are: his son, Robbie (Rene) Richey of Honea Path; his daughter, April Richey of Honea Path; six grandchildren, Candace (Jonathan) Whitfield, Holly (Matthew) Moore, Brooke (Jacob) Tavernier, Lauren (Elledge) Willis, Hunter (Savanna) Richey, and Drake Richey; and seven great-grandchildren, Mallie Grace Tavernier, Lillian Whitfield, David Whitfield, Owen Whitfield, Teddy Moore, Harris Tavernier, and Thomas Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Tob Smith, JC Smith, John Smith, Charles Smith, Tuz Smith and Owen Richey; and three sisters, Mabel Crawford, Edna Hill, and Alice Hendricks.

Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Honea Path First Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Phillips, Rev. Mike Moody and Rev. Dr. Jerry White officiating. The funeral service will be live streamed on Honea Path First Baptist Church Facebook page. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Garden of Memories.

The family is at the home and will receive friends from 2-3 P.M. Sunday at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Honea Path First Baptist Church building fund, 100 S. Main St, Honea Path, SC 29654. Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com