Bishop Richard L. Ussery

Bishop Richard Lee Ussery, beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, papaw, and pastor, entered peacefully into his eternal reward on October 23, 2024, after a lifetime of dedication and service. He was born November 10, 1939 in Kansas City, KS to the late Leona Gabel Ussery. He is preceded in death by his mother, father (Orville Ussery), and two brothers, Orville Eugene and John Raymond. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 ½ years, Linda Rohus Ussery, his daughter Stacey Ussery Tucker (Nathaniel), and his two granddaughters, Layla and Lilly; a brother, Edward Ussery (Alice), and a sister, Mary Webb. He is cherished by his sisters-in-law, Ruth Savage, Linda Rohus, and Dari Ussery, and many nieces and nephews.

Called to ministry at a young age, Richard began preaching in Children’s Church at 13 years old. He became an Ordained Minister in the Church of God, Cleveland, TN in 1962 at age 23. Richard graduated from Lee University in 1965 and became an Ordained Bishop in 1972. He earned his Master of Divinity in 1997. He served in many roles with the Church of God, including State Youth Director (Iowa/Nebraska, Colorado), Evangelist and Missionary Evangelist, Member of the KY State Youth Board, Evangelism Board, and State Council, and Ministerial Internship Program Director for 25 years. Often called Brother Ussery, he was a pastor and shepherd for over 30 years, preaching over 3,500 sermons and leading hundreds of lives to the Lord. Further demonstrating his commitment to his faith and community, he served as a compassionate hospital chaplain for 20 years. All in all, his journey of ministry spanned over 70 remarkable years.

Above all, he was a family man. He enjoyed competitive sports, board games, fishing, yardwork, and decorating for Christmas. He had a song or a Bible verse for every situation. His favorite scripture was Philippians 3:10-11 (NKJV), “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Richard Ussery’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were blessed to be touched by his life.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 6-8 pm EST at Man O’ War Church of God, 1501 Trent Blvd, Lexington, KY. A celebration of Bishop Ussery’s life will be held Wednesday, October 30, at 11am EST. Arrangements provided by Milward Funeral Services (https://www.milwardfuneral.com/). Graveside and Interment will be held at White Rose Cemetery in Wills Point, TX, under the direction of Hiett's LyBrand Funeral HOme.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bishop Richard L. Ussery, please visit our floral store.