Richard Carlton Priddy entered into eternal life surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was 83 years old.

Richard was born on September 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Roy Carlton and Myrtle (Evans) Priddy. He graduated from Male High School in 1961, married his wife Sandra (Aldridge) Priddy on December 19, 1964, and they went on to have two sons, Robin and Scott. Sandra passed from this life in 2006.

Richard wore a number of job titles, most of which allowed him to serve others. As a member of the 100th division of the Army Reserves, Richard proudly served his country, acting as a driver for General Butler. Richard also worked as a barber for many years and had a sense of humor and love for jokes that surely was an asset to his barbering profession. Around the year 2000, he switched gears and became a bank teller for PNC Bank. However, there was another title Richard wore more passionately than any of these—a title that was not secular in nature: preacher.

Richard put on Christ in baptism when he was 25 years old and from that time forward he was a Christian first, last, and always. He began preaching and teaching almost immediately—his fervent love for God and His word leading him to discuss the Bible with anyone who was willing to listen. Richard was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ and he believed it was the power of God unto salvation. He encouraged people when they were doing what was right and would admonish them when they were doing what was wrong, but he would love them as a friend either way. He preached at many local churches of Christ as a “fill-in” preacher. Eventually, he preached for 10 years with the congregation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, followed by another 10 years for the congregation in Crestwood, Kentucky. When Richard was 59 years old, the church of Christ at Memphis, Indiana, asked him to preach until they could find a full-time preacher. He remained their preacher until his death.

Later in life, Richard was blessed to find love again with Sandra “Sandy” K. Smith, and after a short courtship they were married on November 19, 2010. Richard truly cherished Sandy and nurtured her, and he loved to tell people all about how they met. They bowled together in the senior league at Kingpin Lanes and enjoyed dinners at Golden Corral. Those sitting behind Richard and Sandy during worship remember how he would reach for Sandy’s hand during singing and prayers.

Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Priddy; his parents, Roy and Myrtle Priddy; his son, Robin Priddy; and his brother, Larry (Frankie) Priddy.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sandra K. (Smith) Priddy; son J. Scott Priddy; grandson Jarrod Priddy (Caitlin); great-grandsons Jackson Priddy and Ashton Priddy; sister Pamela Brandenburg; stepsons Tim Robinson, Jonathan Robinson, and Mark Robinson (Monya); and step-grandsons Parker Robinson and Chase Robinson.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky, 40291, with visitation Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 2-7 PM and the funeral service Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 1 PM.