Benjamin Cam Rich, “Coach”, 89, of Newport News, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born on January 2, 1936, in Norfolk to the late Ople and Edna Rich. His college career started at Chowan College, where he was honored to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. He continued at Guilford College and completed his master’s at the College of William and Mary.
In his career as an educator, he coached at Smithfield, Warwick, and Kecoughtan High Schools. He cherished the many students whose lives he touched over the years.
Coach was a long-time member of Temple Baptist Church and served in many capacities there. He was on the Board of Directors at the Peninsula Rescue Mission, and his favorite ministry was providing food for the less fortunate.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Rich, and their son, Cam Rich. Coach leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Alice; daughter, Cara; stepsons, Derrick Phillips (Melissa) and Aaron Phillips (Erica); his treasured grandchildren, Kaylin, Brittany, Gregory, Kaylee, Madisen, Jordan, Isabelle, and Trace; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Charlie.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church. The funeral services will be conducted on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Though Coach is no longer with us, his legacy of love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever and continues through the strength he demonstrated, the lives he touched, and the cherished memories held by those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607 (https://prm.info/donate-now) or Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia 23601 (https://www.templechurch.net).
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
13 Comments
Ben was very comforting to me when I lost my husband and son. God be with his family.
An unforgettable gentleman. Our prayers and deepest condolences to his family.
Coach is an unforgettable gentleman. Our prayers and deepest condolences to the family.
Prayers for family at the loss of one so Special. May God comfort and strengthen you with wonderful memories of the life you so lovingly shared. A friend Frankie Fritschle.
Coach Rich was a remarkable person with his guidance, and a great human being. Thanks for your guidance. Tommy Jones Smithfield high 1970 grad.
Coach Rich had an immeasurable impact on my Life in Football, Track and Field and life.He helped me be better athlete and a better person. Godspeed Coach.
Coach Rich was a ‘True” friend who lived 3 doors down from me in Smithfield on Sykes Court. I had the good fortune of meeting Ben and Dot within days ao their move to Smithfield. I played Center and Right Tackle on the Smithfield Packers Football team until I graduated in 1964. Coach Rich was a very good coach and we boys had very good winning seasons in his coaching years. I moved back to Newport News after graduating from Graduate School and caught up with Coach a number of times while shopping in Newport News. I knew from the beginning of our friendship that Coach was a very good teacher and strong Christian man. I wanted to make him proud of me when I was on one of his teams. Coach Rich was a very good role model for the young boys growing up in Smithfield, VA
Ben was a loving, gentle man always ready with a hug. Alice and family he will be very missed. You all are in my prayers! ❤️🙏❤️
Ben visited often with my Dad while he was in Hospice Alice and family prayers of comfort during this time. 🫂 ❤
Such a good man. Such a good, good man.
Cara and family
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Coach. I recall Coach not only tried to teach us to be better players but also build habits and character that we would need later in life. To give that 110% in all that we did.
Coach was a great man. I always enjoyed my interactions with him growing up and into adulthood. He was a mentor to everyone that came into contact with him. Mike, Dawson and I are sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers and comfort to the family in the coming days and weeks ahead.