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Scott Colson
Mr. Thrift was a co-worker of my Father's and a treasured friend to our family for many years. He was a gifted craftsman and a true artist in his trades. His soft spoken wisdom and sense of humor will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.
Marie (Meme) Shriver
Uncle Richard's hugs, his voice when he spoke to you, and his laughter at the family gatherings are among my cherished memories. He will be missed but he no longer has the pain from his mortal body. Aunt Nancy, Amy, Sybil, and all the family, I love you all so much. Hugs and Prayers!
Elder Jason Deal
Aunt Nancy, Amy, Sibyl and family, Uncle Richard has been a big influence in my life for as long as I can remember. He has been a blessing to me and my ministry throughout the years. While his leaving us certainly hurts, I know, I am confident, that he is in God's hands now. I love all of you very much!
Sarah Thrift Crowe
MY 1ST cousin whom I love very much...breaks my heart..you were more of a siblings than a cousin..your daddy (Floyd Thrift) being my daddy's twin( Loyd Thrift)..I just know you having a grand reunion right now w/ all our passed loved ones..until we all meet again RIP my cousin you are so loved and will be missed by us all💔💙
Richard Thrift
2022-02-05
Mr. Richard Thrift, 82, of Yulee, FL passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022 at his home.
Born in Ware County, GA he was a son of the late Floyd M. and Maggielou Smith Thrift.
He moved with his family to Fernandina Beach as a 9-year-old as his father came for employment with Rayonier. He attended Fernandina Beach High School and was a member of the class of 1958. He left school due to his Dad’s illness but he continued his education during night classes and met his requirements that way.
In 1970 he moved with his wife and family to Courtland, AL where he worked for Champion Paper Co. While there he worked as an organizer for the International Papermakers Union, local 294. He was also a member of Machinists Union, local 731. He came back to Fernandina Beach in 1982 to work for Container Corporation of America and retired from Jefferson-Smurfit in 1998. Throughout his career he worked as a welder, mechanic and pipefitter.
Even in retirement, Mr. Thrift remained a teacher and a “tinkerer” always working in his shop. He never turned down the chance to teach someone some of the skills he had. He passed those skills along to as many as he could and as many who would take the time to learn from him.
Always a friendly but strong-willed man, he will be remembered as loving his family and friends dearly. Whether family or friend he was known as Paw-Paw to many. He loved fishing, classic cars and eating seafood and steak. Mr. Thrift was a member of the Comfort Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Waycross, GA
In addition to his parents, Mr. Thrift was predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Thrift Williamson in 2013; son in law, Joseph Moore in 2011, a sister, Sue Thrift and brother, Edward “Buck” Thrift in 2012 and a sister, Joyce Lovell in 2004.
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 62 years, Nancy Jones Thrift; two daughters, Amy (Tony) Nelson and Sibyl (Anthoney) Bernard; sister, Lois (Roy) Gordon; a brother, Joe H. (Marilyn) Thrift; a special niece, Patricia (Wayne) Just; 9 grandchildren, Charlene Taylor, Willie Williamson, III, Austin Richard Bernard, Haley Bernard, Brianne Bernard, Amber McCormick, Robin Todd, Larry Wren, Jr., and Tracey Mitchelson; 18 great grandchildren and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services for Mr. Thrift will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.
He will be laid to rest with his daughter, Brenda, at 3:00 PM at High Bluff Cemetery near Hoboken, GA
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