Richard Lord, 81, of East Dublin, Ga, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 18th at his home in East Dublin, Ga. His wife of 57 yers, Bernice, was at his side.

Richard was a man of integrity who held a deep reverence for God. He was a loyal spouse, devoted father, and proud grandfather. Rarely seen without a tool in his hand, he was always undertaking new projects. He was admired for his master craftsmanship, inquisitive mind, and servant's heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard was born in Milan, Georgia, later moving to Treutlen County. He attended Adrian High School where he was a star basketball player and met the love of his life, Bernice Lord. Richard first caught Bernice's eye with his polished demeanor and striking smile. She later fell in love with his determination, strong leadership, and dedication to others. After 5 years of courtship, they were married on March 6, 1965. Their first home of 18 years was in Rockledge, Ga. In 1987, Richard and Bernice moved to East Laurens County where they lived on the beautiful property that they built with their own hands. The life that he poured into that property will be a living testimony rooted in hard work, love of family, and unwavering character.

Richard loved working on his land and keeping his equipment in pristine condition, he enjoyed crafting in his woodshop, mastering his abilities on the golf course, and always loved listening to music. Richard and Bernice traveled often together. They regularly took trips together to the Smoky Mountains where Richard enjoyed the scenery and loved to go to the shows and listen to bluegrass. Richard was a member of Minter Baptist Church. Richard's top priority was always his family. He found the greatest joy in spending time with loved ones at home. As a dedicated father and grandfather, his grandchildren affectionately referred to him as "Papa". Witnessing his grandchildren's growth and accomplishments was a cherished experience that Richard truly relished.

Richard was a self-made man with countless talents whose love for learning and his tenacity to overcome any adversity led him to many successes in his life. Soon after his high school graduation, Richard served our nation in the Army Reserves. He worked at J.P. Stevens - Forstmann Co. 18 years before being employed by Southeast Paper in 1979 as a three-skill mechanic and later held the position of maintenance supervisor until his retirement.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife Bernice; two daughters, Tammy Benz-Yanken and her husband Trevor Yanken, Nikki and her husband Keith Messer; grandchildren, Cody Benz and his wife Elizabeth, Maxwell Yanken and his wife Madison, Knox Richard Messer, and Crew Messer; nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Lord; mother Robbie Lee Lord; his brother, Danny Ruis; and his two sisters, Gail Monroe, and Joan Hall.

Visitation will be Tuesday at 6:00-8:00pm at Sammons Funeral Home. Services will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Sammons Funeral Home with burial to follow at Harmony Cemetery. Rev. James Allen will officiate. Pallbearers will be Bruce Barwick, Earl Barwick, Cody Benz, Holt Barwick, Corey Barwick, and Maxwell Yanken.

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SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME; Since 1917, Building Relationships and Honoring Memories, Soperton, Georgia