JACKSON – October 17, 2019 – Brendon D. Miller
I do much reporting and posting as the owner of BSN, but this writing is with the heaviest of hearts, and a scrambled mind, as my life-long friend, Rich McCune has left us. Without warning, the Breathitt Football program, and Breathitt County as a whole, has lost one of its favorite sons. Rich passed this morning in an auto accident in Breathitt County. All of us who knew Rich, along with his new family at George Rogers Clark, and all of our Eastern Kentucky Community are in shock and our lives have been lessened this date.
As Breathitt County Attorney, I was one of the first to learn of the accident and Rich’s death this morning. Simply crushing. Finally now able to be composed enough to put down a few words.
Rich was a Breathitt Football legend, but most of all a friend to all. A gentle giant with a big heart and one of the kindest persons I have ever known. I was fortunate to play my entire prep football career with Rich, before we both went on to play college ball at separate places, and he was a beast on the field, but a true friend off. A person whom can not be replaced by any semblance of an attempt.
Rich was a First-Team All-State selection in 1987-88 at Breathitt along with being a member of the Kentucky All-Star Team that took on Tennessee that summer. Rich was our storied Breathitt County Football program’s first Division 1 signing, as he signed with the University of Kentucky. Rich red shirted his Freshman year and suffered a knee injury that year which ultimately ended his football career.
At this time, Rich’s #62 is the only number ever retired at Breathitt County.
I could tell you stories, some G rated, others not, about escapades and fun times from our childhood to present, but this is not the time or place for those. I can say, Rich was loved and respected. He is now gone, but along with our other members of the Class of 1988, who have left us, Joe Henson and John Scott Fugate, he will not be forgotten.
Richard Strawder McCune leaves his loving wife, Cathy Lovely McCune, sons Ethan Kyle McCune, Luke McCune, and Adam McCune, step-daughter Katelyn Smith, along with his mother Cathy Mayes (Steve), and father Bill McCune (Teresa). Rich was the grandson of T.K. Strong and Harriet Strong of Jackson.
The coming days will be difficult, and we ask each of you to keep Cathy, Ethan, Luke, Adam, Cathy (mom) and Steve, and Bill and Teresa in your prayers.
