Richard Ocy Flournoy

Richard Ocy Flournoy, Sr. age 87, went to be with the Lord on July 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with illness. Born on March 31, 1937, in Donald, Georgia, to John and Alma Flournoy, Richard experienced the hardships of the depression-era South but thrived in a loving and close-knit family, surrounded by his five siblings who shared in his journey.

Despite these early challenges, Richard’s spirit remained unbroken. He graduated from Long County High School in 1955 and pursued his dream of becoming an educator at Georgia Teachers College in Statesboro (now Georgia Southern University), graduating in 1959. His first teaching position in Rockmart, Georgia, was where he found not only his vocation but also the love of his life, Jerri Garrison. Their marriage on December 23, 1960, marked the beginning of a beautiful and enduring partnership that brought them three cherished children: Leslie, Rich, and Matt.

Richard’s dedication to his family was paralleled by his commitment to his country and community. He served in the National Guard, eventually retiring as a Lt. Colonel, forming lasting friendships and earning the respect of those with whom he served. His exceptional work led him to oversee Georgia’s first Comprehensive Vocational-Technical High School, and his expertise was soon recognized by Berry College, where he became a tenured industrial education professor. While teaching at Berry, he earned his master’s degree in education from Georgia Southern in 1969.

In 1970, following his father’s passing, Richard returned to Long County to join his brother in the family business, Flournoy Enterprises. Together, they built and painted their way across Southeast Georgia, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and integrity. Yet, Richard’s heart remained with teaching, and in the early 80s, he returned to the classroom, eventually becoming Vice President of Instruction at Altamaha Tech in Jesup, Georgia. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a doctoral degree in vocational leadership from Georgia State University.

Richard’s faith and commitment to his community were cornerstones of his life. He served as a deacon at Garden Lakes Baptist Chutch in Rome and at Jones Creek Baptist Church, and he was active at Glennville United Methodist Church and Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Cartersville. His civic contributions included leadership roles with the Canoochee EMC Board of Directors, the Long County Industrial Authority, the Long County Chamber of Commerce, and the Long County Lions Club. He supported Pinewood Christian Academy and proudly affiliated with the Epsilon Pi Tau Society for industrial education and the Kappa Delta Pi education fraternity.

But above all his achievements, Richard’s greatest joy was his family. His love for Jerri, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was boundless. Known affectionately as “Pops.” He found immense pride in his role as the family patriarch. His love, wisdom, and strength were the foundation of his family, and his presence will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, selfless dedication, and a life lived with grace and purpose.

Richard was predeceased by his wife (Jerri), parents (John and Alma Flournoy), sisters (Jakie Stelling and Barbara Davis) and sister-in-law (Saralyn Flournoy), and brothers (Victor and Jimmy Flournoy). He is survived by his children: Leslie (Walter), Rich (Lisa), and Matt (Melanie); his grandchildren: Lauren (Drew), Allison (Zach), Heather (Kelly), Taylor (Jack), Tripp (Lauren), Emma Grace, and Sam; by his great-grandchildren: Rosie, David, Chloe, Aubrey, Jett, and Brooks; by his sister Sandi (Bruce); his beloved brothers and sisters in-law: Martha Gilstrap, Conrad Stelling, Billy Davis, and Kim Flournoy; and by numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Richard.

Family will receive visitors on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4-6 pm at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA. On Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 10 am, family will receive visitors at Brannen Family Funeral Services, 206 N. Veterans Blvd, Glennville, GA, followed by a service at 11 am. Interment will follow at Jones Creek Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers are Tripp Flournoy, Vic Flournoy, Tracy Flournoy, Drew Raessler, Zach Laughlin, Jack Howard, and honorary pallbearer Sam Flournoy.

The family thanks all the loving caregivers who helped with Richard over the past few years-especially Ms. Dana Booth whose love, dedication, and compassion for Dad was unsurpassed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Glennville Methodist Church. 

Care and Services are entrusted to Owen Funeral Home, Cartersville, Georgia and Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. "Our Family Serving Your Family."