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ROSCOE RICHIE
Roscoe, the 6th child born on May 11, 1911 but according to 1920 school records he used for retirement, his birthday is listed as May 20, 1910. He likes to celebrate both days, saying "If you miss one birthday then I still have another one." He was about 3 years old when his mother died and has no memory of her. His grandmother helped raised him along with his big sister Virgie.
He attended the Samuels Colored School and helped earn money by doing farm work as a young boy. He helped his daddy cut and stack firewood for sale. He continued farming working mostly in corn and tobacco as a young man throughout Nelson County. For recreation he along with brother James, friends Henry Conn and Miles boys used to walk to Bards town to "hang out" on the corners, looking in the shops and at the train depot.
He moved to Louisville in 1937 after the flood and worked at various shops in the Highlands. Later a friend helped him get a job at the Bag Plant in Indiana. James William, his oldest son was born in Bards town. He met his wife Mildred Rodgers who was his next door neighbor on Arthur Street. They married Sept 17, 1941 and three children were born, Roscoe Jr. (Died in infancy), James Albert and Joyce Marie.
He joined the army May 12, 1942 where he became an auto mechanic doing field maintenance on wheel & half track vehicles. He was in the Asistic-Pacific Theater stationed in Okinawa. Traveling overseas has since made him not care for boating, fishing or any other recreation associated with water. He doesn't like to eat fish either. He completed his service duty January 12, 1946.
After the service he worked at Louisville Bedding Company and later was custodian at Deer Park Baptist Church until his retirement. During his employment there he always made sure that many of his nieces, nephews and other family members either got hired at the church or did work for some of their members.
He is a member of Spradling Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church where he was active on the Usher Board, Stewards and Brotherhood. He was in charge of the sick and shut-in funds seeing that members in need received flowers or funds. Recently he has been attending Portland Memorial Baptist Church with his family. He keeps in touch with family, friends and church members on a regular basis making sure everyone is doing OK.
Roscoe is an active person, he enjoys keeping his yard well maintained and doing what he can to help his neighbors and friends. He enjoys little children and keeps his cookie tin full and spare change ready for them. He looks forward to spending time with his great granddaughter Jade. Everyone on Greenwood respects "Mr. Richie" as he teases the little ones and lends a helping hand. Even the young guys in the neighborhood enjoy asking "how's the young man feeling today"? A gentle joke and smile is Roscoe.
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Saying: " I feel pretty good for a young man".
He stresses the Young because that is his outlook on life and how he feels about himself.
Favorite Things to Do: Visit with family and do something to help...you don't even have to ask, he sees what needs to be done and does it. Watching TV talk shows especially Oprah and Sally. Doing yard work and making people smile with his jokes or teasing.
