Fredrick James Rich, PhD, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, GA on July 12, 2025. Fred was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on February 20, 1951, son of Ronald Adrian Rich of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, and Ida Louise (Manley) Rich of San Angelo, Texas.

Fred grew up in Baraboo, Wisconsin, along with his older brother, Terry and younger sister, Rae; an iconic Midwestern family. Frequent visits to his Uncle's dairy farms provided countless opportunities for exploration. On road trips to Texas, with stops at rock shops along the way, his mother showed him the Texas desert country. His early interest in nature and the environment was strongly supported and encouraged by his family, providing confidence that was essential to achieve his goals.

Fred's father and mother instilled in him an enduring and passionate love for nature in all its glory. They taught him to appreciate the beauty and colors in the world around him, this was especially true when visiting Devils Lake State park, a favorite and cherished place in his heart. Fred loved Devil's Lake and the bluffs around it. No trip home was complete without hikes around the lake. Even in the coldest winter Fred and his dad would head for the hills while his mom and brother stayed home to watch a Packer or Wisconsin Badger game.

Many of Fred's lifelong friends were science teachers he met throughout his school years. One of his greatest friends and mentors was Kenneth I. Lange. Ken was the lead naturalist at Devil's Lake State Park and while in college Fred got the job as his assistant, working with Ken for several summers. Fred and Ken were both diligent scientists, with an unending curiosity about everything around them. Their gentle and friendly manners made them the ideal people to interact with the public; a forerunner to Fred's future career.

Fred earned a BS degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin in 1973. He began graduate school at Southern Illinois University but when his major professor moved to Penn State University, Fred followed him there. While at PSU he discovered a new love, the swamp. Summers were spent in the Everglades, followed by work for his PhD dissertation in the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia. In 1979 he was awarded a PhD in geology with a minor in botany.

His academic career began in Rapid City, South Dakota at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Shortly after arriving in Rapid City, he rekindled a friendship with Sharon Allshouse, a fellow graduate student at Penn State. In 1981 they were married (geologists are an incestuous group). During the nine years in South Dakota, their first son, Andrew James, was born followed by their daughter, Katherine Victoria.

An opportunity to return to South Georgia presented itself and Fred accepted the position as department chairman of the Geology and Geography Department at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. This brought him closer to the Okefenokee Swamp which made him very happy. Shortly after, his second son, Thomas Hamilton, arrived and Fred was settled; he stated he would never again move north of the Mason Dixon line.

Fred continued to excel in his academic career while at Georgia Southern University for the next 31 years. He was a recipient of the Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Research among numerous other awards and honors. When he retired in 2019, he was named Professor Emiratis of Geology. His accomplishments were not only evident by the numerous awards earned, but he was well liked and respected by his colleagues and the numerous students he inspired and led.

Outside the classroom, Fred enjoyed taking his children and scout troops for an excursion into the Okefenokee Swamp. While others stayed in the boat, Fred didn't think twice about stepping into the gator infested waters to take core samples; this was his element. Fred also served on the Brooklet City Council and was well known for being, "Mr. Peanut" for the Brooklet Peanut Festival; a small town celebrity.

In his retirement, he still enjoyed reading, being outdoors, walking, watching the birds, observing plants and nature in all its aspects.

Fred was well liked, respected and loved by many and he will truly be missed by many.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon "Sherry" Allshouse Rich; his children, Andrew James Rich, Katherine Victoria Osborne (Philip), Thomas Hamilton Rich (Toni) and granddaughter Reyna; his brother, Terrell David Rich (Patricia) of Boise, Idaho; his sister, Rae Ellen (Rich) Edwards of Lake Delton, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews, and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Per Fred's wishes, there will be a private ceremony with the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Fred wished donations be made in his name to The Nature Conservancy. Donations can be mailed to: The Nature Conservancy 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA. 22203.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421