Alva D. Rich

Alva "Buddy" Rich, 83 years of age, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at home after a long illness with COPD. Buddy was born on October 12, 1941, in Eustis, FL to Fred and Leona Rich. Buddy was brother to three brothers and two sisters, four of whom preceded him in death. Buddy was the proud father of two girls, Kathy and Debbie; they were the apples of his eyes. Debbie preceded him in death, passing away on November 29, 2022. Buddy was a professional meat cutter and managed the meat markets of Winn Dixie and Publix until his retirement. Buddy professed his life to Christ at an early age and enjoyed spending time reading his bible and when unable to read would watch God's word on television weekly faithfully. Buddy loved his daughters and his grandchildren deeply. He would spend hours with them encouraging and teaching them how to ride motorcycles, tear engines apart, teaching them farming, fishing and life skills. Buddy was a patient man and his sense of humor, made him a joy to always be around. Buddy was an example of what a daddy and granddaddy should be and lived for his “youngins”. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his brother Freddy Rich (Gayle), his sister-in-law, Nellie Myer, his daughter, Kathy (Erick Marshall) and son-in-law Randall Fore; grandchildren, Terence Hodge (Janika), Jace Fore (Erika), Brittany Fore, Devon Hodge, Jordan Hodge and Damon Hodge; great grandchildren Alexis Hodge, Hazel Marshall, Bentley Marshall, Khaiyrn Thompson, Terence Hodge, Jr, Tristan Hodge Stark Fore, Ella Fore, Azaria Hodge, Tytan Hodge, Karter Hodge and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his special fur babies, Josey Wales and Bronx . At Buddy’s request, there will be no viewing or funeral procession. Special thanks and gratitude to VITAS Hospice for their support and care not only for my daddy but for our family. Thank you for the extraordinary services of Lyz Gilrane and Brittany Burgher of VITAS for going over and beyond. Daddy couldn't have been entrusted to a more capable group of professionals. in lieu of flowers we would ask for donations to VITAS Hospice. 

Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.