Mr. SFC (Retired) Richard Ganey

July 25, 1951 - July 24, 2023

Andersonville National Cemetery

496 Cemetery Road

Andersonville, Georgia 31711

Friday 9/1, 10:00 am

SFC (Ret) Richard Ganey, 71, of Phenix City, AL passed away Monday, July 24, 2023, in the comfort of his home in Phenix City.
Richard “Rick” Ganey was born July 25, 1951, in Berwyn, IL. He served in the military for over 20 years including Viet Nam, Panama, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, anywhere he was needed as a medic, his men loved him. His preferred position was teaching Recon and long-range surveillance leadership courses. After retirement he continued to serve as a Military Intelligence Contractor. His commitment and values will always be remembered, supporting the values of America. A member of the VFW and The American Legion. He enjoyed target shooting & hunting. His greatest loves are his grandchildren. Spending time with them and sharing memories. Taking them to see his Georgia Bulldogs. He is survived by his son, Michael, daughter, Megan, precious grandchildren, Isaac, Addy, Diana, Shyla, and Logan, one brother, three sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and a beloved wife.
Full Military Honors will be held at 10:00 am EDT on Friday, September 1, 2023, where SFC (Retired) Richard Ganey will be laid to rest at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, GA followed by a wake/memorial service at 12:30 pm EDT the VFW Club on Victory Drive in Columbus, GA by his loving family according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL.

Vance Brooks

Monica

Meggysue

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I miss you poppa!!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Carolyn and I are going to miss our Big Brother Rick. Rick will always have a special place in our hearts. We will forever hold on to the precious moments and laughter we shared whenever we met for lunch or chatted on the phone. Rick was truly "one of a kind". We love you, brother.

"Rick-Rick, Rick-Rick..." A common exchange I had with Rick Gainey when we met for another day at "the office" while assigned to D CO 4th Ranger Training Brigade, FT Benning, GA. The LRS-LC, Long Range Surveillance Leader's Course, later called RSLC,. was home to Rick as an instructor; a place where he was able to perfect the craft of personnel slated to perform reconnaissance missions. His experience, in real world HUMINT collection (INTEL), was the skill set that I experienced firsthand while working alongside Ranger-Warrior Rick Gainey.I had the fortune of hearing, on a few occasions, Rick's account of his first firefight in Vietnam with the 173rd., "The Herd." Rick was doing a "spray and pray" from behind cover and SGT Pini (rank/spelling), while walking up and down the line, yelling instructions and directing fire, told Rick to get out from behind cover and take aimed-effective fire (in harsher terms I'm sure) but not heeding the instructions of his senior, Rick said, "This gorilla, hair covered hand and arm, grabbed me by the back of the shirt, pulled me up and away from cover and held me in the open, while bullets snapped around me, and said, 'Now shoot.'" Rick followed up with, "That was the last time I failed to follow instruction from Pini, being held out in the open during a firefight was not something I ever wanted to experience again!"So, is this a traditional "condolence" laden submission to the family and friends? Probably not, but then, Ranger Rick Gainey was not at rest as a civilian or a regular person. He was a scrapper, always willing to participate in a fight for this Nation and it does him no justice addressing "conventional comments" for a Warrior who served in several "conflict eras." He recognized hard work and individual character; he was the epitome of both. "Character," also in the sense, he was a "colorful character" who could "spin a yarn," tell a story.; a man who was deeply respected by those who worked and played in his "circle of trust" and were fortunate enough to wear the badge of "friend." If you were his friend, you would definitely know it and it is an honor to know I was part of that world. The experience gained from working with Rick is the greatest testament to his contribution, although a little selfish on my part in this setting. This is my coping mechanism, just as much as others have theirs, concerning the loss of my teacher, coach, mentor, and respected friend.Megan and Mike...I am confident you understand the above account and I pray for your healing, prosperity and future successes....Lord, grant my Ranger Buddy peace in his journey into your Kingdom, but if you need a Warrior, Ranger Rick Gainey comes with high regard and a supporting resume!

I love you Daddy

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.