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Richard Franklin Popple of Gainesville, GA, passed on Saturday, December 14th following a fall that resulted in a severe brain injury. Rick was 60 years old.
After serving in the United States Army as a combat medic, the GI Bill made it possible for Rick to attend and graduate from the University of Georgia with a BFA in graphic design. He continued to be a fervent Bulldog fan his entire life. He was Art Manager at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Art Director at the Gwinnett Daily News. He left the Gwinnett Daily to form Rick Popple Computer Graphics Advertising Agency which he operated successfully for over 20 years. He recently moved to Lake Lanier to focus on his love of fine art, specifically oil and water colors. He exhibited his work at juried art festivals, local and regional. His work can be seen at www.poppleprints.com.
Rick is survived by his wife Karen, and two sons Ben and Reid. He met his wife Karen at the Atlanta Journal Constitution where they both worked in the advertising department in 1981. They were happily married for 28 years. His son ,Ben , (wife Deanna) is specializing in pediatric dentistry at Yale University and his son Reid is entering Georgia Regents University school of dentistry next year. His family was his pride and joy. Karen will continue to promote his art business and studio in Gainesville to continue his dream as a tribute.
The family requests contributions be made in Rick’s memory to the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, in Gainesville, Ga. www.quinlanartscenter.org where he was a member and has work on display. Rick was a true maverick and a unique, one-of a kind individual. He was a man that came from very little and through hard work and determination accomplished very much, a true American success story. He will be missed by many.
There will be a Gathering of Friends on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Tom M. Wages, Snellville Chapel. Condolences may be viewed or sent to www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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Gwen Fowler (Setayesh) (1975)
12/16/13
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick passing away. Such a young soul.
May God give peace & strength to his family members. God Bless!
BHS "75"
Gwen Fowler-Setayesh
Marlene Carr (Lantzer) (1975)
Rick, You will be dearly missed by family, friends and classmates. You will always be remembered. Your work as an artist was awesome and "Lion's Pride" will stand forever. Rest in peace. Marlene Carr Lantzer BHS'75
Marie Halstead (Wangler) (1971)
My heart is so heavy with news of Rickys passing I have his beautiful portrait of Baker in one of our bedrooms and I so often stop and enjoy memories made there could someone tell me the reason of his passing wa he in a auto accident I saw posted he had brain injuries My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones sorry for our loss of Ricky great guy Marie Halstead class of 71
George Gordon (1967)
This news really touches my heart. Rickey was like a kid brother to me. Rick and my younger brother were very close and were always together doing things that little brothers do. I will always remember the touch football games we played in the street next to our home. Rickey didnt look like it but he was an athelete. You will be missed Rick
Jerry Colson (1969)
Rick, you were a great person and I'm glad I had the opportunity to know you. I am pleased to know you had some good memories of my father, Hoy Colson, and my family. It is mutual and asking God's blessing on your family.
William P. McClung (1971)
A fine man and friend. You are missed.
Roy Cook (1968)
I didn't know Rick while at Baker but came to know him through Bakerlionspride. I purchased the first of his prints of Baker High with Leo on the front lawn. I proudly have it displayed in the Lions' den of my hot dog cafe.
Rick, you will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Dennis Colson (1973)
Roger Stanford and Ricky Popple. I can hardly think of one of you without the other. I have many great Ricky Popple memories and praise JESUS for allowing me to know him. Rick was a good guy. He had a strength of character about himself and a such a high standard. He was one who overcame many adversities in life.
I lost touch with Rick in my adult life and hate that I did not get the opportunity to express to Rick my appreciation for our times together.
Rick you ran a good race.
Barden Cannamela (1973)
Rick was a genuinely nice person. A talented guy who cherished his old Baker buddies. He will be missed.