Richard "Rick" Stephen Donnelly
July 1, 1953 ~ June 1, 2023
Born in:
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Resided in:
Leicester, North Carolina
Richard “Rick” Stephen Donnelly, 69, of Asheville N.C., died on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Rick was the son of Thomas Milton Donnelly and Nell Sanders Nunnelley Donnelly, who both preceded him in death.
Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., on July 1, 1953, Rick moved with his parents, and younger sister, Linda, to Asheville when they were young kids. Sister LeeAnn came along several years later.
In Asheville, their father Tom established his career in pharmacy. When Rick was old enough to drive, he served as his father’s drug store courier, delivering prescriptions to customers who lived in the south end of Asheville.
Rick is a graduate of Asheville High School, and East Tennessee University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and went on to earn his CPA.
At the time of his retirement, Rick was controller for Meals On Wheels. Prior to his employment with the organization, Rick volunteered as a meal delivery driver. He continued to deliver meals while working for the charity.
Rick was fluent in Spanish, and served as an interpreter, English teacher, and medical translator for his friends in Asheville’s Hispanic community. Rick also volunteered for Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM). Rick played a lot of golf with his Dad growing up, loved watching sports, listening to AM radio, and adored his children.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Annie Stone Jackson and her husband Robert Jackson of Swannanoa; their sons Avery and Austin; grandson Jack Stone; daughter Kate Stone of Black Mountain; sons Sam Stone and Max Stone, both of Black Mountain; son Ryan Stone and his wife Meredith of Black Mountain, and their daughters Olivia and Riley; his sisters, Linda Driggs of Leicester; and LeeAnn Donnelly of Asheville.
A memorial service for Rick is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for Buncombe County Meals On Wheels, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, or any Parkinson’s disease-related charities focused on research, and a cure.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Memorial Service: June 10, 2023 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Ricky will be missed by many, especially his classmates from 1971 AHS. He was such a beloved friend to all of us. Kind, thoughtful and quite a gentleman.
So sweet. 🙂
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. RICK WAS BLESSED TO HAVE HIS FAMILY
My deepest condolences to the Donnelly family. I have fond memories of Rick from our years in the Christian youth fellowship at the First Christian church on oak street in Asheville.
Rick’s death is a sad and significant tragedy for those of us fortunate to know him. His kind and gentle presence is a loss to many. Our friendship began in high school, extended to fun times at UNC-A, and continued as being part of our wedding. He and Tom were always present to express condolences as we lost members of our own family. Blessings and peace to him, and your family.
My condolences to Rick’s family. Will remember his kindness and beautiful smile. Enjoyed seeing him at our AHS reunion, so glad he was able to attend.
Much love, Paula & Duke
I worked with Rich at Owen Mtg… He was a good hearted person. Cheerful and fun to be around as well as a dedicated worker. My sympathies to all his family.