Obituary of Richard L. Lefler

CARTHAGE- Richard Lee Lefler, 71, affectionately known as "Poppy", fell asleep on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the Ellis Farm, under the loving care of his family and Jefferson County Hospice. Richard was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on September 2, 1946, a son of the late Albert & Emily (Mabry) Lefler. He graduated from High School in Chesnee, South Carolina. Richard married Ruth Manchester on October 18, 1969 in Great Bend, New York. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth (Manchester) Lefler, Carthage; two daughters, Johnna (Kent) Burto, Carthage; Jolynne (George) Brinkley, Denmark; two sons, Sam (Carole) Wormwood, Croghan; Pete (Diane) Wormwood, Orwell, NY; and eight grandchildren, Mariah, Kyle, Darby, Jessy, Samantha, Ben, Shannon, Carrie, and Erin; and many great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by two brothers, John S. Lefler, Lexington, South Carolina; Roy Lefler, Chesnee, South Carolina; a sister Karen R. Taylor, Fitzgerald, Georgia; as well as two nieces and three nephews. He is predeceased by a son, Mason Lee Lefler, who was formerly of Chesnee, South Carolina, and died in 1972. Richard served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1970. As a young man, he worked as a projectionist at a theater in Bishopville, South Carolina. Poppy was employed at the St. Regis Paper Mill until its closing and at the Carthage Fiber Drum until his retirement. He had a gunsmith business that he ran out of his home for 10 years. Richard was also a computer technician. He was very involved in the West Carthage Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief for 11 years. Richard's hobbies and interests included hunting, golfing, and reading the Bible. What truly made a profound and happy change in his life was becoming a Jehovah's Witness in 2009. He remained positive and optimistic during his entire illness and was an inspiration to many. He believed in the Bible's promise of everlasting life on a paradise earth. Revelation 21:4- "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more..." Visitation will be held from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, located at 28345 State Route 342 Black River, New York. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 4 PM. Arrangements are being handled by the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located at 500 State Street, Carthage. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Black River congregation or Hospice of Jefferson County. Online condolences can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com