Charles Allan "Charlie" Rich Jr.
He was not on the list.
Charles Allan Rich, Jr. passed away on July 14, 2026 in his Cookeville, Tennessee home at age 71.
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, the second eldest child of country music star Charlie Rich and his wife, songwriter Margaret Ann Rich, he was known as Allan to family and friends, later performing and recording under the name Charlie Rich Jr.
He grew up in Benton, Arkansas where, upon graduating from high school, he had three choices: accept a college football scholarship as a kicker; pursue a career in animation; or follow his parents in the entertainment business.
A gifted singer, keyboard player, and songwriter, he signed with Epic Records and released two albums, 'Allan Rich' in 1974 and 'Glass Heart' in 1976. Settling in Los Angeles, Charlie Jr. continued to write songs recorded by Charlie Rich, Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge, John Legend, and others. He played keyboards and acted as bandleader for his father, touring in the U.S. and Europe. Charlie performed with Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm, and Augie Meyers in the Texas Tornados and Joel Sonnier. He joined a trio with former Eagles member, Randy Meisner, and Billy Swan, releasing an album titled 'Meisner, Swan & Rich' in 2001.
Moving to Tennessee, he continued performing and writing. In 2016, Charlie was inducted into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
He and his wife spent many hours playing in the soil as hobbyists at Rich Organic Farms, where they tended to animals, fruits, and vegetables in their c1802 estate. Charlie also loved painting watercolors and reading history books. Charlie enjoyed an illustrious career, but his most important job was being a grandpa. Duties included teaching his grandson to fish, creating digital art together, and developing their mutual musical craftsmanship.
Charlie Jr, is survived by his loving wife, Teri; children Erica, Michael, and Leslie; grandson Wesley; nephews Wesley and Cole; niece Maggie and brother-in-law Keith. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and siblings - sisters Renée and Laurie and brother Jack.
Services will be private. Celebrate Charlie's life by donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, in his name.
To sign the online guestbook or to send the family a message, please visit www.crestlawnmemorial.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Crest Lawn Funeral Home - Cremation Center.
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