Who Is Lionel Richie’s Father, Lionel Richie, Sr?

Lionel Richie, Sr is the father of Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. Lionel’s son Lionel Jr is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his contributions to hit songs including es “Easy”, “Sail On”, “Three Times a Lady” “Still”, “Lady”, “Endless Love”, “You Are”, “My Love”, “Truly”, “All Night Long (All Night)”, and “We Are the World“.

Lionel Richie, Sr: Bio Summary

Lionel Brockman Richie Sr was a U.S. Army systems analyst. He was born on 8 October 1915, in Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina, USA. His parents are Charles A. Richie (1875-1960) and Ida J. Garfield (1887-1986). He became the husband of Alberta R. Foster, a principal and teacher, and the father of Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. and Deborah Joyce Richie.

Lionel Richie, Sr was a retired systems analyst for the Army Ammunition Procurement Supply Agency in Joliet. He also worked at the Veterans Hospital and Alexander Insurance Co. in Tuskegee. He was an Army first lieutenant, a veteran of World War II, a member of Vestry at Christ Episcopal Church, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Beacon Social and Civic Club, Lions Club, and Elks Lodge.

Lionel Richie, Sr, and his family lived in Joliet. He and his wife returned to Tuskegee upon retirement. In Tuskegee, he was reportedly a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Alpha Phi Álpha Fraternity and was an honorary deputy sheriff.

How Did Lionel Richie’s Father Die?

Lionel Richie’s father Lionel Richie, Sr. died on 31 October 1990, at age 75, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA. How he died is unknown. His son Lionel Jr spoke about the death of his father. Speaking to ITV’s Lorraine Kelly in 2018, he revealed the agony of losing his “hero” and how he was able to deal with it.

“My father was ill and I went through a very – I won’t say a depression, a massive depression – because, you know, my dad was my hero,” he said. “I went through that whole period of my life.”. Lionel Richie, Sr. was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, in Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, USA.

Also Read: Alberta R. Richie: What Happened To Lionel Richie’s Mother?

Lionel Richie, Sr’s wife Alberta R. Richie died at age 83 on 13 January 2001, in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama, USA. The cause of her death is not known. She was also buried at Greenwood Cemetery, in Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, USA. Lionel Jr suffered prolonged throat problems and had surgery four times in four years.

Lionel Jr was told by conventional doctors that he could lose his singing career. He then turned to a holistic doctor who said the problem was simply acid reflux caused by foods he was eating before going to bed. Speaking to PEOPLE, he disclosed how scared he was about the illness and the surgeries possibly affecting his singing skills and career.

Speaking of his illness in 2012, Lionel told Piers Morgan: “I have been through four surgeries, vocal surgeries. And while you’re sitting there in silence, the question comes up, ‘Who am I? Who am I really?'” he shared. “Without this voice… who are you really? And as an artist, you are defined by your voice.”

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXCsqurnZ6ZwG%2BvzqZmpaGfo7KtedGimqGhlWLAs3nHqK5mnJmZeq21zqecpWWinrCptcSsZJ%2BZpJ2ys3nDopxo