Elijah Allen Rich Jr. passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, August 17th at the age of 79. Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, Allen resided in Huntsville for the past 34 years. He served honorably in the Air Force during the Korean War. He worked in the early years of television before accepting a position in government civil service where he retired. His great passion was to serve his Lord and Savior as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While he served in many capacities in the church, his greatest joy was serving with his beloved wife as the first president of the Birmingham Temple.
Allen is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra; his children John and Susan; grandchildren Ammon, Sarah, Susan, William, and Emelie; and great-grandchild, Wyatt.
Visitation will be held at the Spry Funeral Home on Thursday, August 22nd, from 5 to 8 pm. A second visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sparkman Drive from 11:30 to 12:40 followed by funeral services beginning at 1 pm. Internment will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens
