Loyal Caroline Smith Rich was born September 28, 1920 in Chatham, Jackson Parrish, LA., daughter of the late Floyd Franklin and Frances Josephine McKaskle Smith. Mrs. Rich, a retired register nurse from ECM Hospital, was a member of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church, Cypress Inn, Tennessee. She was a member of the American Legion and served in the United States Army Nurse Corp during WW II, where she met her husband, Orbie Franklin Rich and they married, February 28, 1948. He preceded her in death, February 16, 1991. Her basic military training was at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. She transferred to Regional Hospital, Camp Barkeley, TX., then to 1871 Service Unit POW Camp, McLean, TX., next to Camp Howze, TX., and from there to Manila, Philippines, arriving during the Battle for Manila. She served with the 5th Field Hospital until Japan surrendered and then was assigned to the 248th General Hospital until returning to Ft. Sam Houston, TX. and was honorably discharged February 19, 1946, when she was authorized to wear the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the WW II Victory Medal.
Mrs. Rich departed this life, Saturday, September 1, 2018 at her daughter’s home at the age of 97 Years, 11 Months, 4 Days. She is survived by her sons, Marion Rich, Lutts, TN., Robin Rich, Pulaski, TN., E.J. Rich (Diane), Cypress Inn, TN.; daughters, Margaret McLemore (Johnny), Ruth Rich and Jewell Stricklin all of Cypress Inn, TN. and Sara Nell Overstreet, Lutts, TN.; grandchildren, Alesia, Christy, Amanda (Chris), Amy, Samantha, Angie (Nick), Misty (James) and Kelli; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four step-grandchildren. Besides her husband and parents, Mrs. Rich was preceded in death by a grandson, Marion F. Rich, Jr.
Services will be today, September 4, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church, Cypress Inn, Tennessee, with John E. Banks, Greg Eaton officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the church cemetery with Shackelford Funeral Directors, Wayne County, directing. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. until service time at the church. The family wishes to give a special thanks to Dr. Robert Mann and Dr. John Sherrod for their care.
