Charles Jessie “C.J.“ Rich, Sr.

DURHAM- Charles Jessie (C.J.) Rich, Sr., 88, died at home Sunday morning, April 11, 2021.  C.J. was a life-long Durham native, the son of the late Forrest Ludlow Rich and Estelle Padgett Rich Bailey. CJ was preceded in death by his daughters, Elizabeth Rich Watson, Kathryn Rich Jones, son Clarence Ludlow Rich and grandchildren, Crystal Lynn Rich and Debra Watson Honeycutt. Brothers:  Weatherford L. Rich, Joseph W. Rich, A. Conrad Rich, and John Bailey, Jr.

Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Camilla Pollard Rich, one son, Charles J. Rich, Jr., (Chuck), daughters Denise Rich Barbour (Buddy), Teresa Rich McCall (Mark Blackmon), daughter-in-law Toni Harless Rich, grandchildren, Wayne N. Watson, III (Megan), Moses L. Barbour, III (Jamie), Jamie W. Chambers (Michael), Charles J. Rich, III (Becky), Joseph A. Rich, Joshua J. Rich (Courtney), D. Austin McCall and Camden F. McCall. Great-grandchildren, Josephine, Moses, and Sophia Barbour, Arabella Chambers, Abigail and Abel Rich. Surviving sisters:  Patsy Elam and Margaret Farrell of GA

C.J. is passionately remembered by his family and many friends for his love in caring for animals and farming. He will be fondly remembered as a loving and distinguished father and pepa, a caring neighbor and friend and strong community servant. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy serving during the Korean War, and a member of Page Road Baptist Church and Lynn’s Crossroad Ruritan Club. As a young man, C.J. loved racing and learned the value of hard work and retired from more than 50 years of driving a truck, heavy equipment operator and farming.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Page Road Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Michael Bond. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Page Road Baptist Church, 1912 Page Road, Durham, NC 27703 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Central/Eastern Carolinas Chapter), 7101 Creedmoor Road, Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27613. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com