Charles Clark Rich, age 63, passed away on December 19, 2016 at the West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Rich was born on July 16, 1953 to the late Charlie and Claudia Rich in Concord, North Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Doug Rich. Survivors include his brother, John Rich; nieces, Olivia Rich and Chloe Rich; sister in law, Kate Rich, Wilma Hand; other extended family and friends.

Mr. Rich went to LaGrange High School from 1967-71 where he was a four year letterman in football and wrestling.  He also holds the distinction of being an Eagle Scout.  Clark was actually a member of the first wrestling team at LaGrange High School. He went on to wrestle heavy weight at Auburn University, and graduated from Auburn University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He continued his education at Auburn earning his Masters Degree in Education. He was also a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church.  Coach Rich is best known around the LaGrange community for his life-long love of kids, helping kids to build relationships on trust, faith, honesty and character.  English, history and his involvement with LaGrange High School wrestling were all things he loved in his life.  He coached Danny Coffied,  LaGrange High School’s first State Champion in Wrestling. After that, he coached (brother) John Rich and Marty Carter, who were both LaGrange High School’s only undefeated State Champions. Coach Rich has many accomplishments in his lifetime, but a few are: three time Coach of the Year in Wrestling in LaGrange, his team was named Team of the Decade in 1980-1990 in State of Georgia and his Wrestling Teams were State Champions in 1982, 1986 and 1987.  He will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Sunday, April 30, 2017. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to LaGrange High School Wrestling program.

 

Coach Rich’s family will receive friends on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 6-8 at the Higgins LaGrange Chapel Funeral Home with a funeral service to be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 3:00 at the Cedar Crest Community Church with Jackie Taylor and Paul Botica officiating.  Private family interment services will follow at Shadowlawn Cemetery.  On line condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.higginsfuneralhomes.com./     706-884-7117.