Richard Franklin Popple, 60

Richard Franklin Popple, of Gainesville, passed on Saturday, Dec. 14, following a fall that resulted in a severe brain injury. Rick was 60 years old. 

After serving in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, the GI Bill made it possible for Rick to attend and graduate from the University of Georgia with a BFA in graphic design. He continued to be a fervent Bulldog fan his entire life.  

He was Art Manager at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Art Director at the Gwinnett Daily News. He left the Gwinnett Daily to form Rick Popple Computer Graphics Advertising Agency which he operated successfully for over 20 years.  He recently moved to Lake Lanier to focus on his love of fine art, specifically oil and water colors. He exhibited his work at juried art festivals, local and regional. His work can be seen at www.poppleprints.com.

Rick is survived by his wife Karen, and two sons Ben and Reid. He met his wife Karen at the Atlanta Journal Constitution where they both worked in the advertising department in 1981. They were happily married for 28 years. His son ,Ben , (wife Deanna) is specializing in pediatric dentistry at Yale University and his son Reid is entering Georgia Regents University school of dentistry next year. His family was his pride and joy.  Karen will continue to promote his art business and studio in Gainesville to continue his dream as a tribute.

The family requests contributions be made in Rick’s memory to the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, in Gainesville, Ga. www.quinlanartscenter.org where he was a member and has work on display. Rick was a true maverick and a unique, one-of a kind individual. He was a man that came from very little and through hard work and determination accomplished very much, a true American success story.  He will be missed by many.

There will be a Gathering of Friends on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Tom M. Wages, Snellville Chapel. Condolences may be viewed or sent to www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

-Courtesy of Tom M. Wages Funeral Service