Rev. Richard Gene "R.G." Livingood

On Tuesday July 16, 2024, Reverend Richard Gene (R.G.) Livingood went home to be with the Lord. Dad joyfully entered the presence of Jesus at 11:47pm, leaving behind on this Earth 3 children: Richard Allen (Valerie), Ronald Gene (Alane) and GenaKay True (Jeremiah), 13 grandchildren: Austin (Becca), Abigail, Zayden, Joel, Joshua (Jen), Jonathan (Lindsay), Jared (Molly), J.R., Matthew, Evelyn, Haven (Michael), Nora Grace, Evangeline and 18 great- grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Livingood (married in 2007), 2 step children: Kim Rider-Luehmann and family and Jim Rider and family, brothers: Jim Livingood and Mike Livingood and sisters: Frances Doane (Poogie) and Carol Livingood. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Edith Catherine (Combs) Livingood as well as his son - James Robert Livingood Sr. (Virgie) and a brother- Frederick Allen Livingood (Carlene).

Bro. Livingood was born to J.C. and Dorothy Livingood in Carlisle, KY on February 14, 1935. A tenant farmer’s son, Dad made a profession of faith in a milkhouse on Crooked Creek at the age of 17. He dropped out of school to take care of 5 younger siblings when his father was drafted into military service. He married Edith Catherine (Kay) Combs on May 28, 1955 and entered the Christian Ministry at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in 1958 at the age of 23.

Dad was working with the RA’s at Crittenden Baptist Church when he was called into the ministry. He earned his GED at Georgetown College while preaching on the weekends and serving at a boys’ home during the week. Dad’s ministry lasted decades, serving as pastor at: Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, Grant’s Lick Baptist Church, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, First Baptist Cold Spring, Butler Baptist Church, Decoursey Baptist Church, and Gardnersville Baptist Church. Bro. Gene spent many years supply-preaching and serving as interim pastor throughout Northern Kentucky until his early 80’s.

He was also a hard-working businessman, avid patriot, and lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. The RGL Enterprise/Livingood Trucking and Construction company kept him “on his toes” and “awake at night” for many years.

He recently remarked, “I’ve had the most wonderful life!” Reverend Richard Gene Livingood was a lifelong servant of the Lord, who dedicated his life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, father, grandfather and friend whose character exemplified godliness, selflessness, love and strength. Dad was the cornerstone of our entire family and the man who modeled Jesus to us all.

We will celebrate Dad’s life and his Heavenly Homecoming on Monday July 22, 2024 at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 6056 Taylor Mill Rd, Covington, KY 41015.

Visitation begins at 10:00am, with service following at 1:00pm. Family and friends are invited to fellowship in Dad’s favorite way: by sharing a meal together immediately following our celebration service! “Let’s eat!” Graveside service takes place at 5:00pm in the Crittenden Cemetery, Crittenden, KY.

Memorials are suggested to Gideons International and the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Covington, KY.