On August 6, 2019, after a few years of reduced mobility, Francis Edward Rich got back into his Corvette Stingray and drove to yoga and Pilates classes before playing a round of golf and getting out on the sailboat.

Fran was born on August 21, 1940 in Cambridge, MA. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Salem State College in 1971, served in the Army reserves, and worked various jobs including long-distance truck driving before joining General Electric. Fran remained with GE for 26 years in numerous locations, including Raleigh, NC, where he met his wife Robin Currie whom he married on April 30, 1977. Robin and Fran raised their son Grayson in Florida and North Carolina. Fran most recently “worked” answering phones at Pinehurst, making tee times and surrounded by those who shared his passion for golf.

Everyone’s knuckles are safe from his vice-like handshake, but the world is darkened without Fran’s smile. Those particularly bereft are his wife, Robin, and their son, Grayson; son Kevin Short and Kevin’s wife Mary; sister, Linda Stalvey; and niece Susan Carroll. Fran now rejoins his sister, Martha Christ, and mother, Grace Stalvey.

The family is holding a private memorial service and planning a celebration of Fran’s life to take place at a later date.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.