Richard Arthur Spong, 79, of Byram, MS passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2021 from natural causes at St Dominic's Hospital.

Richard was born in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania on September 10, 1941 to Chester and Marjorie Spong. He graduated from Southern Mississippi University in 1969 with a degree in Accounting. After graduation he went to work for Standard Life Insurance Company as Treasurer. He established many life long friendships at Standard Life and cherished them until his death. After leaving Standard Life Insurance Company in 1986, he earned his Professional Certification as an Insurance Fraud Examiner and went to work with the Mississippi and Louisiana Departments of Insurance until his retirement in 2013. He loved the field of Insurance and was honored to hold the offices of President and Treasurer of the Mississippi Chapter of Society of Financial Examiners.

Richard was an avid tennis player and spent many weekends on the court with his close group of friends he referred to as his "tennis buddies". As they all grew older and tennis was no longer an option they became his "email buddies". Richard was an excellent father, friend and Papa always putting his family's needs before his own. He was humble, kind and had the best sense of humor. Richard was devoted to his fur babies, Bella and Brandi, he adored them until their passing. I am sure they greeted him with wagging tails as he walked the path to heaven.

Richard is survived by his son, Brian Ernest Spong of Brandon, MS; his daughters, Melanie Dawn Spong of Clinton, MS and Karen Spong Rice of Brandon, MS. His sister, Eva Bardo of Ridgeland MS. His daughters in law, Jennifer Little Spong of Brandon, MS and Sherri Stover Spong of Puckett MS; and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Arthur Spong, his mother, Marjorie Anna Wolfe, and his son, Kevin Barrett Spong.

The family would like to thank the staff of St Dominic's CV ICU for their compassion during Dad's passing, his friends for all the prayers and support during this difficult time and Pamela Cameron, his pastor for her grace and kindness during his final days.
The Family will have a private memorial per Richard's request, in lieu of flowers please make donations to Richard's Church, Spring Ridge United Methodist Church 1083 Davis Rd, Terry MS 39170


I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy7-8