His parents were Zacharia Edward Richey and Hattie Myrtle Lane. He moved with his family from Texas to Oklahoma, attended schools and grew to manhood in around Grady and McClain counties, OK. He married Lola Blanch "Shay" Ramsey, abt 1926.They had three children, of which at least two are living. He yielded his life to God's call to the gospel ministry in 1933, and like Paul in the Bible, at once began "to preach Christ" in and around the local churches. He was ordained in the Free Will Baptist Church in 1933. However, his life took a sad turn: his young children were soon to be without their mother and he without his companion, when in 1941, his beloved "Shay" died. She was an ornament to his life, and to all who knew her; she was loved and esteemed by those within and without. In time, God sent another companion for him, to be a mother to his children and whom the step-children lovingly called "mother" and respected her always. She was a constant helpmate to Rev. Richey, until his death. He studied the scriptures assidiously, while gaining knowledge of parlimentary law, greatly aiding his denomination in its conference deliberations, he being selected to be the 'parlimentarian' for several sessions. He ably served the Okla. State Association of FWB as moderator for several years, and his name appears in their minutes in other positions where he served.He was a good speaker and preacher. He reasoned the scriptures and had a forceful delivery. He was esteemed among his peers. In 1959, he preached the funeral of his old mentor, Dr. I.W. Yandell, in Oklahoma City. He pastored churches at Dibble, Bryant, Springhill (at Lexington), and Pleasant Hill churches, and organized the First Church at Blanchard, before he died suddenly.