Robert Lee Richey II of Florence, Alabama, or Rob, to all who loved him, left this life on Monday January 8th, 2024, at the far too young age of 20. A celebration of life will be held at the Mane Room in Florence, Alabama on January 13, 2024, with public visitation from 2 – 4 p.m. and service to follow.
Rob was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Bobby Joe “Bops” and Maxine “Mimi” Clardy, Lester “PawPaw” and Eloris “MawMaw” Richey, and dear friend Sebastian Brock. Rob is survived by his parents Robert and Mallette Richey, and older sister Tai Sporn (Richard); his cat Omega; aunts Leslie Daniel (Van), Val Richey, Sharon Brook (Buddy); uncles Tim Richey (Cheryl), Cliff Richey, Ken Richey (April); cousins Phillip Lanier, Daniel Lanier, Patrick Daniel (Heather), Ciara Daniel, Jeff Richey, Rebekah Anderson (James), Katy Garvin, BJ Brewer (Jenna), Sydney Brook, Hannah Richey, Sarah Richey, and Peyton Harris along with a large extended family. He is also survived by a host of special friends: Dewayne and Robin Griffin, Joseph Williford, Zannie Lynn (Rob’s Gigi), John and Melanie Jackson, Betty Peters “Betty Boop”, Randy Pettus and Wesley Roden, James, Libby, Cat, and Julia Counts, Linda Young and Jim Stansell, Jeff Redcross, Jalen Rice, Holden Law, Trey Nichols, Henley Phillips, Kate Scott, Marshall Rich, Jacob Castle, Sam Yarbrough, and numerous bandmates.
Rob was an enthusiastic guitar player, singer, and lover of all things music. Rob spent many hours working on guitars for friends before turning it into his job at Counts Brothers music in Muscle Shoals. Rob and his friends spent many hours playing music, singing, acting silly, and eating everything they could find at his parent’s house, especially if it was spicy. His family home was open 24/7 for all the kids to hang out, play music, video games, or watch movies. Rob loved his friends so much and kept many of them close since childhood. When visiting Rob’s parents on the weekends, Joseph Williford’s parents Dewayne and Robin Griffin made it a point to spend time with Rob before the two boys inevitably holed up in Rob’s room playing games. Rob and Joseph’s parents would even hold court when the two argued. Rob loved having Holden, Bash, Kate, Jalen, Joseph, John, Mel, and so many others stop by to visit, jam out, and eat. He loved having you all to himself. The laughter of you all was music to his parents. Rob was the light of his parents’ lives, and they enjoyed so many special memories with him in his short time on this Earth. Rob had a standing Wednesday morning breakfast date with his mom which was always a highlight of their week. Rob enjoyed playing video games, hitting the pawn shops, and going shooting with his dad. He also looked forward to the regular family beach trips to eat at his favorite restaurants in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Pensacola. At the age of five, Rob got the most interesting gift of his young life, a 15-year-old sister. Tai and Rob shared a love for music, Tai being a drummer since age nine, and often traded music recommendations and critiqued popular songs just for fun. In 2017, Rob gained an older brother following Tai’s marriage to Richard. Richard was a great friend to Rob. They would spend hours talking, listening to music, and generally goofing off. His cousins were also a big part of his life. He enjoyed hanging out with Ciara and visiting her in Tuscaloosa and loved kayaking with Patrick. Philip taught Rob about types of wood or paint for projects he was working on. Peyton and Rob made many a late-night food run and many concert trips, also sharing a love for rock music. Rob’s love for his grandparents was just what you’d expect. Huge! He would love to go down to Waterloo to go fishing with Mimi and Bops or spend a quiet afternoon with his MawMaw, while she cooked anything he wanted. His special friends Betty Boop and GiGi loved Rob so much. After losing his grandparents, these special ladies took great care of Rob.
The family extends a special thanks to the following for their support and assistance during this most difficult of moments: Rachel and Becky Berry, Micah and Dr. Hillary Delarosa, Brad Bolton and Suzanna Taylor of the UNA Criminal Justice Department, Joshua Quick and the entire Odette family, Annie Hendricks, Sue Collier, Lori Williams, Richard Richey, Diane Graves, Sharon Graves, Beverly Brewer, Robin Zernhelt, Nicole Malone, Barry Williams of Williams Funeral Home, Officer Bill White of UNA Police Department, Lt. Tim Wooten, Sgt. Shane Blalock, Sgt. Ryan Kelley and their respective officers at Florence Police Department, Florence Fire Department, and the Lauderdale County Coroner’s Office.
Services are being conducted by Williams Funeral Home.
