Kenneth Wayne Richey, son of John Robert (Boss) and Sam Ella Mozingo Richey, was born June 10, 1947, in Waynesboro, MS, and entered his Heavenly home December 11, 2021, in Clinton, MS.

He was a 1965 graduate of Beat Four High School, Waynesboro, MS, and a 1969 graduate of Mississippi College. He continued his education at MC and completed his Masters degree in Math and a Specialist degree in Counseling.

Clinton Junior High became his home away from home from 1969 until 2010. Mr. Richey began by teaching 7th grade math and then became 8th grade counselor for the junior high. During his tenure as a math teacher, he was awarded Outstanding Young Educator. He continued his love of math by creating a Math Counts team for CJHS, which won many state awards.

Wayne was a beloved and devoted member of the Legacy of Faith Group at Morrison Heights Baptist Church where he recently served as president.

Nearly every facet of our community has been touched by him. He was a member of the original Arts Council of Clinton and recently served as treasurer. He also served as treasurer of Friends of the Library of Clinton and Mississippi School Counselors Association, and has been president of the Clinton Association of Retired Educators. Wayne was selected as Outstanding Math Alumni at Mississippi College. The award for which he felt most honored was Outstanding Citizen of the Year 2019 by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
A man involved in as many activities and duties as he was would not be expected to have hobbies, but he was a collector of all things. More importantly, he was a supporter of Mississippi art and artists.

Wayne Richey was so much to so many. Above all, he was generous, kind, humble, fastidious to detail, always keeping CJHS foremost in his heart. Jason Woodcock, junior high teacher, said, "He lived an amazing life and affected more people in a positive way than I could ever hope to reach."

Mr. Richey will be remembered as a man who loved God first, his family and friends, and Clinton, MS.

He lived by "In order to rise, you lift others up."

He is preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, Katie Mae Carroll, Ruth Inez Richey, Robert Junior Richey, and J.R. Richey.

Survivors include sisters: Jerry Undine Ray, Dauthor Jacqueline Weber, nieces and nephews: Ella Harris, Hollis Carroll, Linda Dale Carroll, John Price, Mary Ann Richey, Edwin Ray, Terry Turner, Abby Stuart, and Ewen Richey Weber.

Visitation will be Monday, December 13, 2021, from 5:00-7:00pm at Wright & Ferguson in Clinton, and Tuesday, 1:00-3:00pm at Morrison Heights Baptist Church with the funeral at 3:00pm at Morrison Heights. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 11:00 am at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS.

Pallbearers are Ewen Richey Weber, Anthony Goins, Tim Martin, J. Reeves, Kent Mummert, and Jean Selby.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morrison Heights Baptist Church Mission House Building Project or a charity of your choice.