Richard Alan Fey

“Heaven” by Rick Fey I lost my nerve They took my smile Then they left me thin Heaven could you take me in? A few more days But at what cost? The deck’s been stacked The game is lost Heaven could you take me in? This mortal coil Is slipping fast Now my future Is my past Heaven could you take me in? I’ve read the Book I’ve got no mark I’ve lost my taste for sin Heaven could you take me in? I don’t need a golden bed Nor diamonds in the street Just a place to lay my head And still my restless feet Heaven could you take me in? As his father climbed the corporate ladder Rick moved a lot with his family while he was growing up. From St. Louis to Oklahoma City OK, then New Orleans LA, Atlanta GA, Westfield NJ, and (finally) back to Atlanta where he met the love of his life, Debra Jean Trammell (Fey) in 1970. They were married in Forest Park, GA (First Baptist Church) at ages 19 (Rick) and 18 (Debra) on February 19, 1972. A long-time friend and pastor of the Trammell family refused to marry them because they were of “unequal yokes.” Another friend and pastor consented to marry them, but not before some expressed misgivings and offering Rick his personal car to make his get-away prior to the ceremony. Rick worked at The Atlanta Humane Society for over ten years, primarily as a kennel attendant, but also as an ambulance driver and vet technician, and finally as the manager of a satellite adoption center. Rick had a compassionate heart for animals, and he decided to incorporate that love into a small business. In 1982 he started a pet sitting service in Atlanta, only the second of its kind in the area at the time, and Debra joined him in the business in 1989. They enjoyed working together and caring for the animals, and continued the service until they moved to Alabama in July of 2011. Many of the clients they met through that business are still friends today. Rick always had a keen interest in art, interior design and contemporary architecture. After visiting Mentone once in the mid-90s they bought a couple-acre wooded lot on the West Brow. In 2007 they decided to build and retire to this beautiful property which afforded Rick the opportunity to actually design their dream home. The result is an amazing feat in contemporary design. Upon moving to Alabama, Rick and Debra agreed they needed a church family to help them settle into this new community. Grace Presbyterian Church was initially selected because of its welcoming façade, building size, and because it was “named” for their dog, Grace. (Debra was admittedly initially suspicious of “Presbyterians.”) After moving to Mentone and spotting an empty storefront they decided to take advantage of their Kenyan connection and opened The Graceful Giraffe (named for their beloved pet, Grace) in 2013. Rick's design aesthetic is evident in the shop’s interior. A lover of classic and alternative rock and roll, with the Blues thrown in for good measure, Rick was treated to a private concert in his home by his favorite local musician just several weeks before his passing. Among the songs played were “Knocking on Heaven's Door” by Bob Dylan and “Sister Golden Hair” by america. Rick also wrote poetry, two of which are included here. After only minor symptoms Rick was diagnosed with parotid cancer in June of 2012. He had numerous surgeries, radiation and chemotherapies, and finally participated in three phase I clinical trials at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute. Rick’s good humor, bravery and character, and his willingness to give of himself in order to help others, was recognized by many during his five year battle with cancer. Many nurses said Rick was the best patient they’d ever had. Through all of this he was a professed “seeker of the truth” but never turned his life over to Christ until a local blacksmith artist, as an act of obedience to the Lord, created a forged metal Crown of Thorns specifically for Rick. When Rick saw and handled this crown, he was overcome with an outpouring of emotions that led him to say “I believe. I believe in God and I believe in Christ, and I believe in what He did for me at the cross.” Later he said, “I still have the questions I had before I was saved, but now they just don’t matter.” Praise God! “Clarity” by Rick Fey You gave Your only Son For one as low as me You opened up my eyes You gave me clarity And if I’m to be heaven bound To sing Your praises high To touch Your heart with words That makes the angels cry This and more I’d gladly do It pales at what You’ve done For one as low as me You gave Your only Son. Rick is survived by his loving wife, Debra, niece Jena Fey (Morris) Knox, nephew Evan Randolph Morris; two great-nieces Emily and Sarah Knox; numerous cousins (primarily in the St. Louis and Atlanta areas), a step-mother, April Fey, and a few beloved friends who are really considered family (you know who you are). He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eugene C. and Dolores (Garrett) Fey and his sister, Nancy Lynn Fey Morris. In lieu of flowers and because of Rick's lifelong devotion and love for animals the family requests donations be made to the Tri-State Humane Society (PO Box 715, Trenton GA 30752). If desired, donations could instead be made to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (1365 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322). Memorial Service and Homegoing will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5760 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967 on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Visitation at church prior to service from 10:00-10:45 AM. Service will be officiated by Rev. John Mathieu (Grace Presbyterian Church) and Rev. Paul Harvey (Morning Star Baptist Church, Atlanta GA).

Richard Alan Fey

November 13, 1951 - July 17, 2017