Richard Nevin Zimmerly passed away peacefully in his sleep at Lifecare Hospice of Wooster, on December 26, 2024 with his wife by his side. He spent his last days in good spirits, being able to spend time with family, thanking all of his caregivers for their help, wishing those who entered his room to have a blessed day or a Merry Christmas! A reminder he also shared in those last days was: “W-O-R-R-Y isn’t in our vocabulary. Think happy thoughts and remember that God is in control.”
Richard was born on August 19, 1941 to Clarence and Florence (Miller) Zimmerly. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joyce. Sons Todd (Katie), Brian (Angie), Craig (Gwen), Chad (Sarah), and Geoffrey, all from the Wayne and Holmes County area. Grandchildren include Clayton (Joanna) and Brock (Brian/Angie); Tyler and Jenna (Chad/Sarah); Sadie, Rosalie, Geneva (Craig/Gwen). Surviving siblings include Doris (Don) Dravenstott, Don (Laverne) Zimmerly, and Anita Greene. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in law Irene and Ellsworth Kauffman, brother-in-law Cliff Greene, and granddaughter Vivian, (Craig/Gwen).
Richard enjoyed watching the grandkids’ sporting events, showing 4-H animals, and just spending time with them. He was always eager to hear of his kids and grandkids experiences and would give encouragement or advice to them in a soft-spoken and sincere manner.
Along with loving Joyce and helping her raise their 5 sons, Richard served as a public educator for Green Local Schools in Smithville. His many years as a teacher, coach, and principal gave him opportunities to have a positive impact on many students and colleagues. Later in his education career, he also enjoyed supervising student teachers for Ashland University. For a time, he drove bulk milk truck for Blough Bros. of Orrville when time away from his school duties allowed him.
Richard volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and nursery worker with Joyce at Smithville Brethren Church where he was a member. He also spent some summers coaching his sons’ youth baseball teams. As some of the sons got involved in 4-H, he enjoyed assisting with market lamb projects, and raising sheep on the small farm he and Joyce purchased outside of Smithville in 1990.
His eagerness to thank those who were helping him and the gratefulness he showed for their assistance in his last days were again a reminder that we all have so much to be grateful for. Find the good in each moment you have!
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Smithville Brethren Church, 193 E. Main St., Smithville. A meal for all will follow the service. A private burial service for immediate and extended family will be held in Smithville Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Contributions may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Smithville Brethren Church Music Fund, 193 E. Main St., Smithville, OH 44677.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
We are so sorry to hear of Dicks passing. We will always remember him as a loving caring and giving man. We know he will be missed by his loving family as well as the Church family and his teaching colleagues.
Chad, Sarah and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. Sending love and hugs
I am very saddened to hear that Mr. Zimmerly passed away. He was a very gentle and kind man. He was my middle school principal who expected the students to have respect for others, especially your elders. You made an impact on my life and I appreciate everything you have done for the students at Greene Middle School. Someday I will see you in Heaven and I will thank you there.
Prayers to your family. God is good all the time even in our darkest days.
Thomas Hohenshil
Dick Zimmerly and I had a friendship which began in first grade & lasted for the next 75+ years. Dick was a great friend, a serious scholar, a wonderful family man, and an outstanding educator & community leader. He could best be described as a laid back, gentle soul who also knew how to get things done. Dick will be sorely missed by all of the people lucky enough to know him. Sue & I send our best wishes & prayers to Joyce and his family.
Joyce…so very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I will be praying for you all. So sorry I won’t get to see you in person.
Todd, Craig, & Chad I’m sorry to read about your dad’s passing. Sending my condolences and prayers of peace and comfort.
To the Zimmerly Family: We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Zimmerly’s passing. He so loved his family, such a friendly man, and a leader in everything he did. We are praying and may memories give you comfort.
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Zimmerly was always a friendly, smiling face in the sheep barn. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joyce Zimmely
Many prayers to all of you during this time A teacher, neighbor of almost 20 years and grandparent at sporting events. Always good to see you both
Zimmerly family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May all of your cherished memories ease your sorrow in the days ahead.
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Zimmerly’s passing. He was a strong, fearless, wise and kind leader. He was a compassionate shepherd for his flock. He and his lovely, always supportive wife, Joyce, made a positive impact on many lives including mine.
My heartfelt sympathy to you, Joyce,
and the family he was so proud of.
With much love, Brenda Vance
I was fortunate enough to get to know Dick as fellow principals in Wayne County. He was such a dedicated educator whose calm demeanor and caring attitude served as a model for all around him. Condolences to the Zimmerly family.
Condolences to Richard’s family from a cousin in California. Bernadette and I are thinking of you and send Prayers.
Richard was a quiet example of God at work. He will be long remembered by all who knew him..
I probably got to know Mr. Zimmerly better than most staff members at Greene Middle School. I drove milk truck for Ron Reed and he drove for Blough Bros. Not only did we see each other during the week at school but also weekends and during the summer at the dairy. During the week, he was Mr. Zimmerly the professional educator, weekends and summers he was Dick Zimmerly, the milk hauler. He was always good to me and my wife Leanne, also a teacher at GMS. Sorry for your loss.
Richard was a quiet and friendly neighbor. He was always busy and respected. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences .
Si sorry to hear of Mr.Zimmerlys passing ! He was a great teacher and cared about his students! May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
To the Zimmerly Family, so sorry for the loss. What a great role model to have, always positive, helpful and supportive. I was honored to have him as a principal, coach and neighbor. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
To Mr. Zimmerly’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville, Ohio
My condolences to the Zimmerly family. Dick always had a smile and kind word for all.
We want to send our sincere sympathy to the Zimmerly family
Richard was a very kind and friendly man
Have a lot of good memories dating back to our school years
May God be with you during this difficult time
We want to send our sincere sympathy to the Zimmerly family
Richard was a very kind and friendly man
Have a lot of good memories dating back to our school years
May God be with you during this difficult time