Richard Lee Lynch

Richard Lee Lynch, 80, of Athens, Georgia died on April 20, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Hampton, Iowa on March 22, 1943, the youngest of five sons of Edwin and Leone (Armbruster) Lynch. Richard graduated from New Hampton High School in 1961 and went on to the University of Northern Iowa where he received his bachelor’s degree. From there he went on to the University of Minnesota where he received his masters degree followed by a doctorate from Indiana University, Bloomington.  Richard spent nearly twenty years in Blacksburg, VA as a professor of Education at Virginia Tech. In 1989 Richard moved his family to Athens, GA where he became the Director of the School of Leadership and Lifelong Learning at the University of Georgia.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Genevieve “Ginny” and four children: Karen Bavis of Huntersville, NC; Sandy (Dave) Laken of Davidson, NC; Steven Lynch of Atlanta, GA; Patrick (Christine) Lynch of Olney, MD; and his nine grandchildren: Nate, Jack, Drew, Sam, Adam, Henry, Ann Townsend, Zachary and Charlie.

Richard was known for his kind, gentle, and analytical nature, his sharp wit, and his unwavering love and loyalty to those he held dear. He cherished his time with family and friends and enjoyed nothing more than having long conversations with loved ones. He was an active member of OLLI (Osher Life-Long Learning Institute) and enjoyed learning and talking about all things education-related. His curiosity and love of academics will be remembered by all he touched during his fifty years as an educator.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on June 3 at 11:00 a. m. at The Catholic Center at UGA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cancer Foundation of NE Georgia or the Ann Townsend Lynch Foundation .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com