Funeral Services for Rev. Richard East, age 80 of Ashland, will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Watkins and Rev. Robert Welch officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel (South) Baptist Church Cemetery.
Rev. East passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Veterans Hospital in Birmingham. He was born and raised in Clay County, was a graduate of Clay County High School, and had attended Junior College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served several years in Germany before coming home. Mr. East worked at Ace Products in Lineville for around 40 years as the Plant Manager. In 1975, he began his pastoral ministries, and served as head pastor for Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years. Rev. East enjoyed farming and tending to his garden, and was also an experienced Bluegrass musician. He could play the guitar, Mandolin, and Fiddle, and played bluegrass music with his friends often. Rev. East was selfless and giving, and always thinking of others before himself.
Rev. East is survived by his children: Kevin East (Michelle) and Tracey East, all of Ashland; four grandchildren: Devin Vise (Codie) of Atlanta, GA, Ariona East, Josie East, and Joni East; three great-grandchildren: Kacen Houston, Kazleigh Houston, and Blakely Smith; two sisters and five brothers, plus other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Y.Z. East and Maddie Lee Latham East; his wife, Ester O. East; and three siblings.
Active Pallbearers will be Richard Gortney, Danny Paul Browning, Bo Crawford, Hunter Denney, Ryan Denney, Chris East, Jim Branch, and John M. Saxon. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Brotherhood.
Rev. Easts visitation will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. He will lie in state from 12:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
