Joel Rich

Joel C. “Jody” Rich 90 of Clay, KY passed away Saturday July 2, 2022. In 1959, “Jody” graduated from Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, TN where he was President of his Law Class. He was a Tennessee Colonel and a Kentucky Colonel. He served in the US Navy. He started practicing law in 1960 in Owensboro, KY. In 1962 he opened his practice in Dixon, KY which he maintained until 2022. He served as Webster County Attorney from 1965-1969 and from 1994-2003. Over the years of his legal profession, he served in many positions within the Webster County Judicial System. He was elected the first District Judge for Webster, Union and Crittenden counties, served as a Public Defender and a Master Commissioner for Webster Circuit Court. He served on several boards for the support of Webster County programs and residents. He was a member of Dixon General Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a supporter of Webster County football and an avid UK football and basketball fan. He loved spending time with his family and working daily with his wife, Geraldine, by his side. He was preceded in death by a brother Dr. A. D. Rich and a son Doug Hibbs. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Geraldine Mitchell Rich of Clay, KY; 1 son Joel Crawford Rich II of Evansville, IN; 1 daughter Vicky Tillman of Dixon, KY; 2 grandchildren Matthew Tillman of Austin, TX and Shanda Tillman of Clay, KY; 3 great-grandchildren Demetrius Tillman, Amaya Tillman and Sydney Harkins; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday July 6, 2022 at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon, KY. Bro. John Brumfiel will officiate, with burial to follow in Townsend Cemetery in Dixon, KY. Visitation will be Tuesday July 5, 2022 from 5-8PM and Wednesday 8am until service time at the funeral home. Hopkins County Honor Guard will perform military rites at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dixon General Baptist Church P.O. Box 229 Dixon, KY 42409. Online condolences can be made at www.townsendfuneralhomeinc.com