Richard "Rick" Stanley Pettepher, Jr., 79, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple cancers.

Born on April 26, 1947, to Wilma Lee Baker Pettepher and Richard "Dick" Stanley Pettepher, Rick was a proud native Atlantan. He grew up in the then-developing suburb of Chamblee, where he spent as much time outdoors as possible. He ran track at Chamblee High School and graduated in 1965. After high school, he began college before answering the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army.

Rick served proudly during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. An accomplished sharpshooter, he earned the designation of Expert Marksman with every Army-issued firearm and was selected for the 3rd Infantry Division Rifle Team before his deployment to Vietnam. His bravery and dedication in combat earned him several military honors, including the Bronze Star.

After returning home, along with continuing his structural engineering studies and working on cars, he discovered a passion that would stay with him for the rest of his life—fly fishing. What began as a favorite pastime eventually became a successful business when he opened Atlanta Fly Fishing Outfitters in 1992. He spent the next 12 years helping others discover the joy of the sport he loved.

When he later transitioned into real estate, Rick's background in structural engineering made him an exceptional REALTOR®. His attention to detail and love of learning served him well, and he was especially proud of acing the business law portion of the licensing exam.

Rick had a lifelong curiosity and an incredible ability to figure out just about anything. Long before internet tutorials and YouTube videos, he taught himself new skills by reading books, researching, and simply diving in. Whether he was mastering the Big Green Egg, repairing cars, building furniture, designing and renovating homes, creating beautiful herringbone patios and koi ponds, crafting custom fly rods, carving a smoking pipe, or painting with watercolors, he loved the challenge of learning something new. If someone needed help with a project, Rick was usually the first to volunteer. He genuinely enjoyed sharing his knowledge and lending a hand.

Books were among Rick's greatest companions. He was an avid reader whose curiosity never faded, and he especially enjoyed learning about history, design, and how things worked. He also loved a good suspense novel, and sometimes you might find him reading a Nora Roberts book, especially those set in the UK.

As a true Atlantan, Rick had a special affection for The Varsity. He loved a good chili cheese dog and could probably tell you where every Varsity location was and had ever been. He also enjoyed ushering at the Atlanta Opera, spending evenings at concerts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and at Chastain Park, and attending movies and plays.

Rick was known for his kindness, quiet strength, and ever-present smile. He was humble, compassionate, and always willing to stand up for what was right. He loved telling stories from his own life and was just as interested in hearing the stories of others.

His faith was an important part of his life. Rick served his church in many ways over the years, including leading youth groups, teaching Sunday Bible studies, operating cameras during worship services, participating in Habitat for Humanity builds, and helping with hurricane disaster relief efforts.
Rick also had a tremendous love for animals, especially dogs. It's easy to imagine him being welcomed into heaven by a joyful pack of beloved dogs—his own and those of friends—along with the family members who went before him.

Rick was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Wilma Lee Baker Pettepher Lucas, whom he lovingly cared for during her later years; his beloved stepfather, William T. Lucas; and his biological father, Richard Stanley Pettepher, from whom he had been estranged since a very early age.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Talitha Smith Pettepher; his sons, Matthew Richard Pettepher and Jon Eric Pettepher (Cassandra Singleton); his siblings, John Ronald Pettepher (Lynn Ingram), William T. Lucas, Jr. (Sharon), Katherine "Kathy" Lucas Cannon (Roger), Teresa "Terry" Lucas Woodrum (Kenny), and Nicholas "Nick" Lucas; his grandchildren, Dara-Lynn Pettepher McClure (Patrick), Ethan James Pettepher, Jacob Cole Pettepher, and Bailey Renee Pettepher; and his treasured great-grandsons, Brantley James McClure and Colton Reid McClure.

In honor of Rick's lifelong passions, memorial donations may be made to any of the following organizations:
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): https://donate.lls.org/ltn/donate
• English Springer Rescue America: https://www.springerrescue.org/support/donate/memorials/
• Chattahoochee Riverkeeper: https://chattahoochee.org/donate/

These organizations reflect the causes closest to Rick's heart—supporting those researching or facing cancer, caring for dogs in need, and protecting the Chattahoochee River that he loved.

Please join the family to celebrate Rick's life in an informal time of storytelling—bring a story or two – to remember and honor him on Sunday, July 19, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Roswell River Landing, 245 Azalea Dr, Roswell, GA 30075.