Donald Richard "Rick" Blythe

Donald Richard "Rick" Blythe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and pastor passed away on April 10, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved.

Rick was born on March 1,1951, in Spring Garden, Alabama. His early years were not easy, but his life was forever changed when He met the Lord. His life stands as an unshakable testimony that where you begin does not have to determine where you finish.

At 19, Rick joined the United States Navy, beginning a journey that would take him far beyond the limits of his upbringing. Not long after, he married the "spice of his life", Ginger Lynn Fitzpatrick. Together, they built a marriage defined not by ease, but by commitment, growth, laughter, and shared purpose.

Rick became a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, dedicating his life to ministry, church planting, and shepherding people. He served in multiple states and even overseas in the Marshall Islands. Throughout his years in ministry, he led countless to a knowledge of Christ and was an evangelist in his own right. His greatest passion was His love for God and people.

He was a man of contrasts in the best way—both deeply serious and equally hilarious. He could sit with someone in their darkest moment comforting them, and then just as easily turn around and make others laugh until they cried. He sang loudly (and not always on key), told stories with dramatic flair, and found joy in the smallest, shared moments. He loved traveling the world, spending time with his family, Ham Radio, making new friends, and quiet evenings spent fishing on the dock.

Rick was a devoted husband to Ginger for 55 years, a proud father to Carissa Lloyd (Bob), Melanie Troxell (Mike), and Marion Peppers (Wes), and a deeply cherished grandfather to Joshua, Jonathan (Cara), Christian, Noah, Levi, and Liana.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Ray Blythe and Mozelle Blythe, and his brothers Ray Blythe and James Blythe. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and sisters: Bertha Maddox, Janice Nicholson, Shirley Slaton, and honorary sister, Sandy Ford. His family (both immediate & extended) meant the world to him. There are far too many to name!

A celebration of life will be held at the Piedmont Seventh-day Adventist Church (3140 Hwy 9 Piedmont, AL 36272) Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3:00PM CST.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rick's life by donating to the Piedmont Seventh-day Adventist Church Sign Project. Rick and Ginger pastored and built this church with their hearts and hands. One of his desires before he died was to fix the church sign so that many more would be drawn to this beautiful place to learn about God and His love.

We hope that Rick's favorite Bible verse can bring comfort to you during this time: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9