Kerby Earl Rich

The Lord welcomed home a warrior, a saint, a son of God into the heavenly home. Retired CMDR Kerby E. Rich, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Chaplain, departed from this earth October 17, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and above all a soldier for Christ, fighting on the frontlines of a spiritual battle for the souls of men. Kerby was a man of integrity, valor, and commitment sharing God’s word, the gospel, and his faith to his fellow mankind.

Kerby was born to John Calvin Rich and Bertha Arizona (Garrett) Rich of Pickett County, Tennessee in 1943. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Katherine Deline Rich and his six children, daughter, Anna and husband, Jim Hampton, son, Robert Rich and wife, Kelly, daughter, Penny and husband, Derrick Singleton, daughter, Lisa and husband, Dennis Beasley, daughter, Doreen and husband, Andy Leaman, daughter, Chanel and husband, Galen Brantley, his 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren: grandson, Zachary and Sydney Hampton, with their children Alexander, Theanna, Katerina, and Jael; granddaughter, Jessica and Tyler Jeansonne with their son Wyatt; grandson, Luke and Bre Hampton, with their children Payton, River, Wade, and Ashton; grandson, Levi and Rebekah Hampton, with their children Slade and Oak; granddaughter, Saira and Adam McNutt, with their children David and Abram; granddaughter, Juliet and Nick Sage, with their children Szariel and Elemeir; grandson, Kyle Rich, grandson, Weston Rich, grandson, Ethan Frazier, granddaughter, Leah Frazier, grandson, Jonathon Singleton, with son Brody; grandson, Joshua Singleton, granddaughter, Anna Michelle Kramer and husband, Aiden, granddaughter, Katherine and AJ Lowrance, with children Tahlia and Willow, grandson, Taylor and Savannah Beasley, grandson, Tyler Beasley, granddaughter, Chloe Beasley, grandson, Jackson Leaman, granddaughter, Savannah Leaman, granddaughter, Evelyn Leaman. Kerby loved and served his King Jesus, his country and his family. Kerby came to know the Lord as a young man and dedicated his life to serving Him. Kerby served his country in the U.S. Air Force (1961-1966) and in the U.S. Navy (1982-2001). In the 70’s he earned his college degrees and became a professor of Greek and Hebrew, as well as an education administrator. He returned to the military in 1982 as a U.S. Navy and Marine Corp Chaplain serving faithfully and courageously his countrymen, ministering to the souls of young men and women. Kerby loved his family deeply and sought to instill in them a love for the Lord God and make an eternal impact on all who knew him. His life is a beautiful legacy to his family.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am till 12:00pm on Friday, October 24, 2025, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service for Kerby Rich will begin following the visitation at 12:00pm. A committal service is scheduled for 2:00pm the same day at the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section). Those wishing to attend are asked to meet there no earlier than 1:40pm. The services will be officiated by Chaplain Bob Jackson and Pastor Robert Russell.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kerby's honor to Trinity Grace Farm.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Chaplain Kerby Rich.