Richard E. Thies, 67, of Deford died peacefully Sunday, October 4, 2015 in his home. He was born August 26, 1948 in Buffalo, New York to George Edward and Alice (Harvey) Thies. He married Betty Jean Bailey on March 23, 1991 in Fenton, Michigan.
Richard held many jobs throughout his life. As a young man he worked as a short order cook in New York. He went on to work for Schriber Manufacturing in Royal Oak for 10 years. He also worked at the Pontiac Silver Dome as a security guard, at South Cedar Steel in Imlay City as a painter and at Deckerville Die Form running presses. Richard was an avid outdoorsman finding enjoyment in fishing, deer hunting and working in his yard.
Richard is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Barbara Jo (Randy) Valentine of Mayville, Sarah Rebecca Simpson of Holly, Christina Marie (Nael) Shamma of Millington; step-children; Mildred Draper of Kingston, Bonnie Smith of Mayville, Nicolaus Alongi of Mt. Clemens, Jean Alongi of Fostoria; grandchildren: Dakota Christopher, Savannah Kaitlin, Kegin, Destony, Nael Jr., Christopher, Dillon, Ivy, Jessy, Shyann, Cheyanna, Darian, Sebastian, Brookelynn, Faith, Elizabeth, Donald; sisters: Judy Thies of Buffalo, NY, Linda Barringer of Buffalo, NY; long time best friend, Russ Feldhouse; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Robert George Thies; sister, Barbara Kehoe.
Funeral service held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in Kingston United Methodist Church with Rev. Carol Abbott officiating. Interment will be in Kingston Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Kingston Fire and Rescue or McLaren Hospice. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2015 in Kranz Funeral Home - Kingston
1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in Kingston United Methodist Church
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Kingston, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
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