February 20, 1951 - July 12, 2025
Fredrick James Rich, PhD, passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Ga., July 12, 2025. Fred was born in Stevens Point, Wis., on February 20, 1951, son of Ronald Adrian Rich of Hillsboro, Wis., and Ida Louise (Manley) Rich of San Angelo, Texas.
Fred grew up in Baraboo, Wis., with his brother, Terry, and sister, Rae. Frequent visits to his uncles' dairy farms provided many opportunities for exploration. On road trips to Texas, to visit his mom's family, Fred was excited about stopping at every rock shop along the way.
Fred's parents instilled in him an enduring love for nature. This passion was nurtured by countless visits to Devil's Lake State Park. In later years, no trip home was complete without hikes around the lake or along one of the other trails in the Baraboo Bluffs.
Fred earned a BS degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin in 1973. He began graduate school at Southern Illinois University and then moved to Penn State University where he discovered a new love the swamp. He spent summers in the Everglades, followed by his PhD research in the Okefenokee Swamp. In 1979 he was awarded a PhD in geology with a minor in botany.
His academic career began in Rapid City, S.D., at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. There, he rekindled a friendship with Sharon Allshouse, a fellow graduate student at PSU. In 1981 they were married. During their nine years in South Dakota, their first son, Andrew James, was born followed by their daughter, Katherine Victoria.
In 1988, Fred accepted the position as chair of the Geology and Geography Department at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. This brought him closer to the Okefenokee Swamp, which made him very happy. Shortly after, his second son, Thomas Hamilton, arrived and Fred was settled. He stated he would never again move north of the Mason Dixon line.
Fred continued to excel in his academic career while at Georgia Southern for the next 31 years. He received a Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Research, among numerous other awards and honors. When he retired in 2019, he was named Professor Emeritus of Geology. His accomplishments were evident, not only through numerous publications and awards, but by the respect and affection shown by his colleagues and the numerous students he inspired.
Fred enjoyed taking his children and scout troops into the Okefenokee Swamp. While others stayed in the boat, Fred didn't think twice about stepping into the gator-infested waters to take core samples. He also served on the Brooklet City Council and was well known for being "Mr. Peanut" for the Brooklet Peanut Festival.
In his retirement, he still enjoyed reading, being outdoors, walking, watching birds, and observing nature in all its aspects.
Fred was well liked, respected, and loved by many.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon "Sherry" Allshouse Rich; his children, Andrew James Rich of Rincon, Georgia, Katherine Victoria Osborne (Philip) of Rincon, Thomas Hamilton Rich (Toni) and granddaughter Reyna of Sherman, Texas; his brother, Terrell David Rich (Patricia) of Boise, Idaho; his sister, Rae Ellen (Rich) Edwards of Lake Delton, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews, and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
There will be a private ceremony with the family in Georgia at a later date. There also will be a celebration of life at Devil's Lake in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, Fred wished donations be made in his name to: The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA. 22203 or click here to donate online.
