Carl Reid Rich, 93, passed on January 5, 2023. He was born in Greensboro to Earl Augusta Rich and Lola Freeman Rich on October 25, 1929.

Carl graduated from Bessemer High School, Greensboro, in 1946, where he played basketball and served as his senior class president. He then served his country for five years in the Navy during the Korean War, on the USS Des Moines and USS Wisconsin, painting and printing his way through the Mediterranean.

Early in his career, Carl worked in printing and advertising, going on to manage the John H. Harland Company plant in Greensboro. Eventually, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit by founding and operating Thermal Industries, Inc., where he manufactured custom vinyl and leather checkbook covers, and later designed and produced efficient wood burning stoves. A natural inventor, Carl used his ingenuity to create his own manufacturing equipment and processes to keep his business thriving. On the side, Carl also delivered newspapers for the News & Record, which opened opportunities for him to meet and bond with his neighbors over the years.

An avid photographer, Carl was the family documentarian, preserving family memories for future generations. His interest in technology made him an early adopter of digital cameras, hybrid cars, cell phone technology, and computer programming years before they would become commonplace.

Most notably, he raised (and is survived by) his five beautiful daughters: Sherrie Rich, Leigh Rich Rush (Richard Glover), Tami Rich, Kelly Rich Andrus (Jason), and Karen Rich (Scott Owen). He was a proud grandfather to seven, Ian Hoppes (Emily), Meghan Hoppes-Martin (Jeremy), Stewart Rush (Laurie), Jordan Rush (Bradley Beck), Salem Andrus, Liam Quale, and Merrill Andrus. He loved being surrounded by and photographing his five great-grandchildren (Owen, Norah, Connor, Libby, Ben) running and playing at family gatherings. He was loved by all his family and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont. A memorial will be held at a later date.