Richard Mendenhall Mottola Sr., 88 of Franklin, NC, gained his wings on January 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Richard was born May 20, 1936, in Hammonton, New Jersey to the late Nicholas and Josephine Mottola. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty Lou and grandchild, Gary Michael Mottola.

He attended Guilford College in NC and played football there, and Glassboro State College in New Jersey. He married the love of his life, Betty Lou, they had known each other since they were 18 years old. He taught school for six years, and was also a lifeguard, while being a lifeguard he taught swimming and life saving classes. He was a sales representative for Aetna Life Insurance, Ethicon Insurance, and Revlon. He opened and trained franchises in the US and Canada for National Supervision Snelling and Snelling. He sold swimming pools for 20 years, in Orlando, FL, with his assistant(granddaughter) Sandy. He retired to Franklin, and he worked around eight years as a part-time attendant at the Franklin Landfill. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children, Richard Mottola Jr of Franklin, Gary Mottola of New Smyrna, FL, Sandra Mottola of Franklin, Nicholas Mottola III of Franklin, William Mottola of Rosemont, FL, Betty Mottola of Santa Fe, TN; four grandchildren, Sam Bridgers, Sandra LeCroy, Gary Mottola, Nicholas Mottola; four great grandchildren, Zoey Bridgers, Lilly Joe McElhaney, Ellie Grey McElhaney, and Summer LeCroy.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 27th from 11am-12pm at Macon Funeral Home. The service will follow at 12pm in the Chapel. Rev. Danny Prince will officiate. Burial will be in the Victory Baptist Church Cemetery beside his loving wife Betty Lou, "Together Again Forever".

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Mottola, Samuel Bridgers, James "Bubba" Aiken, Jeremiah Prince, Aaron Waters, and Christian LeCroy.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.