Producer, songwriter, Tammy Wynette widower George Richey dies at 74
As was his request, Mr. Richey passed without a public memorial or publicity. He was buried in Nashville near the grave of his third wife, Country Music Hall of Famer Tammy Wynette.
Born George Richardson on Nov. 30 1935 in Promise Land, Ark., Mr. Richey co-wrote classic country songs that were recorded by artists including Wynette and George Jones. He aided in the creation of Wynette’s “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own” and Jones’ “(A Picture of Me) Without You” and “The Grand Tour,” and he produced material for Wynette, Merle Haggard, Johnny Horton, Wanda Jackson and more.
As a session musician, Mr. Richey aided recordings by Ringo Starr, Marty Robbins andLefty Frizzell.
In a 2009 interview with www.tunesmith.net, Mr. Richey said, “Music was my life here on earth. It is what got me through the journey. It paved the way down so many roads that were restricted for most. . . . I was eaten up with it. I lived it, breathed it and worshiped it.”
Upon marrying Wynette in 1978, Mr. Richey put some of his own musical aspirations aside. Throughout much of the 1980s, he was her manager. The couple was married until her death in 1998.
Upon marrying Wynette in 1978, Mr. Richey put some of his own musical aspirations aside. Throughout much of the 1980s, he was her manager. The couple was married until her death in 1998.
In 2001, he married the former Sheila Slaughter. In recent years, Mr. Richey devoted his time working to educate others about the dangers of smoking. He also worked with the Country Music Hall of Fame to develop the Tammy Wynette: First Lady of Country Musicexhibit, set to open on Aug. 20.
Mr. Richey is survived by his wife, Sheila Richey; by daughters Tatum and Deirdre and son, Kelly; and by numerous relatives and friends.
PLEASE KEEP GEORGE RICHEY’S FAMILY IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS GREAT LOSS IN THEIR LIFE’S.
Your father has killed Tammy Wynette and his body belongs in a a trash going to a dump. That no good BASTARD. She would still be alive. but no, he used her and abused her and took her money and treated her family like crap!! My thoughts and prayers go out to TAMMY'S FAMILY and NOT YOUR'S.
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