Nathan Richie

1964 - 2018

Nathan Richie lost his life suddenly Saturday, June 16, 2018. He was the victim of a collision while riding his motorcycle in Lancaster County, on his way to join his father-in-law for breakfast.

Nathan was born September 13, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the son of Stephen and Deanna Richie, of Mint Hill. His wife of 18 years, Wendy Wells, and his sons Austin and Jonathan, who live in Charlotte, survive him.

His brother Dain Richie, sister-in-law Helen, of Matthews, and their sons Stephen and William mourn his loss. His loving in-laws, Don and Becky Kidwell, of Rock Hill, share the family's grief.

Nathan moved with his family to the Charlotte area in 1979 and was graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1982.

Beyond his family, Nathan is best known in the Charlotte area advertising and broadcast media communities. He began his career in radio while still in high school with a part-time job as a costumed mascot, the WBCY Chicken, for Jefferson Pilot Broadcasting. From there he advanced through a long career with various local media outlets.

He loved the radio business and was known as a utility player, working both on air and in the background as promotions coordinator, producer, and in other roles needed to keep programming moving. He worked for a time as an account executive, as well.

In January of 1992, Nathan joined his family's business, ACI Design, as an account executive, helping corporate customers with business-to-business advertising, collateral projects, and trade show exhibits.

In January 2006, he formed NR Creative, providing a broad spectrum of marketing communication services.

Most recently he was director of digital media for Entercom, whose properties include WBT, in the same building where he began his career 39 years ago.

Along the way, Nathan's talents as a speaker and presenter brought him opportunities as on-camera talent for training videos, corporate presentations, PBS fund drives, corporate sales meetings, and countless other assignments that required polished speaking skills.

His deep experience and understanding of the radio industry made him a sought-after mentor and teacher. He was a regular instructor of social media and branding at Carolina School of Broadcasting. Recently he was invited to speak on the subject of social media in broadcasting for the Kellerman Institute at Appalachian State University.

Nathan's primary personal interest was his two sons, whom he reared mostly as a single father. Nothing else came close to his commitment to their welfare and development. He was a devoted and supportive husband to Wendy, the love of his life.

Coming from radio, he appreciated and understood popular music deeply and was an avid concertgoer.

He loved dogs. His childhood pet was Penny, a sweet but not-too-bright Beagle. He doted on Chloe, a German Shepard Dog he trained in the Schutzhund discipline. He and Wendy shared silly Ziggy, a big fuzzball Spitz-Chow mix, and often fostered rescue dogs awaiting a forever home.

Nathan took a keen interest in the martial arts, which he shared with Austin and Jonathan. He ultimately advanced to a 4th Dan black belt (master) in Tae Kwon Do and Philippine Combat disciplines.

With his brother and father, he found much joy in the art and skill of motorcycling. In the past 18 years, they shared thousands of miles together over local and long-distance roads.

He served on the board of BMA NCSC (Business Marketing Association) and was a founding member of Social Media Charlotte. He actively supported North Carolina Lupus Foundation, because of Wendy's struggles with that Illness.

Nathan was a sweet, outgoing person who could find common ground with people of any age, culture, or background. His friends and family knew him for his kindness, generosity and infectious sense of humor. He brightened any room he was in.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2018, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Hilton Charlotte University Place. The hotel is located at 8629 J M Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262. Visitation will follow at that location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lupus Foundation of North Carolina, or any reputable dog rescue organization.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.