Richard Wallace Mann, Sr.

Richard Wallace Mann, age 76, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior surrounded by his loved ones on January 8, 2024 (8:08pm) at the UNC Medical Center following an emergency heart surgery. Richard was born on June 27, 1947 to Wallace and Grace Mann in Chicago, IL. He was a student at NC State University and a former service member in the U.S. Airforce National Guard.

Richard wore many hats during his life. He was a faithful church member, generous philanthropist, doting father and grandfather, and a wonderful friend, son, and brother. Richard was an active participant in bringing God’s love to the nations, partnering with global missionaries to establish a soccer ministry in Columbia, build and re-build a hospital in Angola, and bring the Gospel to the people of China. He loved to take daily 10-mile hikes in what he called “God’s big farm,” was a gifted pianist, and was always working on new projects to benefit his family and the local church. He was a lifelong learner who always had the deepest insights on topics such as faith, finance, and health. He faced life’s obstacles with clear, open eyes and steadfast hope in the Lord. One such obstacle was being one of five survivors of the American Eagle Flight 3379 plane crash in 1994. He often quoted a beloved poem in saying, “Only one life, will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Those close to him will forever be blessed by the winsome, witty, and warm interactions that always came with a visit from Richard/Dad/Grandpa.

Richard is survived by his five children, Jennifer (Mann) Rooney (spouse Darwin Rooney), Richard Mann Jr. (spouse Jacalyn Mann), Joel Mann, Shannon (Mann) Marengo (spouse Gerald Marengo), and Victoria Mann; 9 grandchildren and step-grandchildren (Elizabeth, Mary Rose, Wallace, Eva, Cody, Leah, Genevieve, Caroline, and Margaret); his brother-in-law and sister John and Patricia (Mann) Pope; and his beloved cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Grace, and his friend and cousin Steve Mann.

A small graveside service will be held to celebrate Richard’s Christ-centered life on Sunday, January 14th at 2:00pm on Sorrell Family Farm in Apex, NC. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Agape Way (https://agapeway.org/donate/), a ministry which uplifts the church in China and Cambodia of which Richard was a lifelong supporter.

Additionally, if you would like to contribute to covering his funeral costs due to the sudden nature of his passing, please visit our GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebration-of-life-service-for-richard-w-mann?utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp%2Bshare-sheet.