Ret. Col. Richard M. Torrance

Colonel Richard Torrance age 73, of Milledgeville died peacefully in his home on June 17, 2018. Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday June 21, 2018, at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. David Perry and Al Burgamy officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Born in Milledgeville on January 2, 1945 to C.W. and Elene Maroney Torrance, Colonel Torrance graduated from Baldwin High School in 1963 and North Georgia College in 1967. Commissioned that year in the U.S Army he served for six years including service in Viet Nam as a helicopter pilot in the 101st Airborne Division where he earned several medals for bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. Following his discharge, he joined the Georgia Army National Guard and worked as the Commandant of Cadets at Georgia Military College, as a private businessman, and for the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Route Carrier. He returned to active duty in 1985 and served honorably at several posts across the United States until he retired at the rank of Colonel in 1999. During this time, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry, Georgia Army National Guard. Upon retiring from the Army, he returned to Milledgeville and entered the cattle business, raising cows and growing hay on the farm where he grew up. Richard never met a stranger and was known for helping anyone he came in contact with. He was active in the local community; serving on the Baldwin County Tax Board of Assessors and as an elected member of the Piedmont District of the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Larry, and a sister, Dee Dee Lee. Survivors include his wife of 54 years Melvis, and four sons Jim (Teresa), Greg (Devie), Jeff, and Dan (Kellee); a brother Grady (Frances) all of Milledgeville, and sister Rachel of Monticello; five grandchildren: Arrah Torrance, Nathan Torrance, Kaden Torrance, Sadie Torrance, and Hadley Torrance; three great grandchildren: Callie, Jordan, and Eli. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at on Wednesday June 20, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Black Springs Baptist Church, the Georgia Military College Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Ret. Col. Richard M. Torrance

January 2, 1945 - June 17, 2018