Richard Worley Sr.

Published 7:13 am Friday, November 15, 2024

September 23, 1964 – November 10, 2024

Richard “Rick” Allen Worley Sr., age 60, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky. Rick was born on September 23, 1964, in Niles, Michigan, the son of Nancy Burge Lyons, and Fred Worley. He was the beloved husband of Ruby Beaty Worley, and the father of Renee Fox, April Worley, and Richard Worley, Jr.

Rick grew up in Michigan, living in Niles, Berrien Springs, and Ann Arbor. In 1979, his family relocated to California, and then Glendale Arizona, where he graduated from Deer Valley High School.

Rick lived a life of service to his family and his country. He cared for and led his family with all his heart. Rick served in the United States Army from 1984 until 1993. During that time, he was stationed in various locations in the United States and abroad. He was stationed in Korea for one year, removing bombs from the DMZ and training others in bomb disposal. Rick also was deployed in Operation Desert Storm, where his exemplary service was recognized and he was awarded three Bronze Stars, and the Army Commendation Medal.

His military career is marked with numerous accomplishments and awards. He was a proficient operator of the bomb squad “robot”, which led him to work extensively with the Secret Service, FBI, and ATF. He spent many hours teaching classes on various explosives. Rick specially served for six months at the White House, conducting bomb sweeps of the presidential limousine, and traveling with presidential candidates to various campaign events. He retired from the military in 1993, with a rank of Staff Sergeant, E6.

In 1993, Rick accepted a post with the Kentucky State Police in Special Operations as a bomb technician. He served in that capacity many years until he retired because of advancing rheumatoid arthritis, which made it impossible for him to wear a bomb suit, or track fugitives in the hills of Kentucky. He has resided in Lexington since then. Rick loved bass fishing, and University of Michigan football.

Rick leaves behind his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Ruby Worley; two daughters, Renee Fox and April Worley; a son, Richard Allen Worley, Jr.; and three grandsons, Collin Fox, Jett Fox, and Wesson Senft. He also leaves behind his mother, Nancy Lyons; sister, Dianna Heck; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Worley; and his brother, Randall Lee Worley. He will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 16, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Pastor Stacey Wilder of Calvary Bible Church will officiate. Please visit Rick’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave condolences to his family at www.clarkch.com.