Richard Andrew Jessee

Richard Andrew “Andy” Jessee of Orlando, Florida was called home to his Savior on December 24, 2021. He was 72 years old. Though he had battled cancer for the last five years, he was taken rather unexpectedly by a catastrophic brain aneurysm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorse & Geraldine Jessee (Granny and Cricket), and an older sister; Nancy Joyce; and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Emily; his son; Chris and “most-favorite daughter-in-law,” Stephanie and his three grandchildren: Caleb, Alec and Ella (plus his grand-dog, Duncan) - all from Altamonte Springs, FL. Also surviving are his sisters Margaret Bailey (and her husband, Larry) in Mooresville, NC.; Emily Jennings, in Cleveland, Tennessee; and also Greta Sargent, in Pounding Mill, Virginia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, among whom is Chad Barr (who was like another son to him), his wife, Cindy and children, Andrew and Taylor. Andy was born in Richlands, Virginia where he was his parents’ only son (among several daughters). He graduated from Richlands High School and was later drafted into the Army. He served as an Army medic and was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, he made his way to Orlando, FL to get a job in the construction industry. Once in Orlando, he met Emily and they married in 1972. Their only son, Chris, was born five years later. Andy continued work in construction and regularly took side jobs to provide for his family. His drywall work can be found all over the Central Florida area, including the theme parks and many resorts. In 2000, he started working for his home church - Metro Life Church - and assisted in overseeing the building process of the church building. He was then the Facilities Manager at Metro for the next 20 years. That church building was his “baby” and he cared for her with incredible precision. In addition to this, Andy had countless teens who worked for him at the church. Over the summers, he would run “boot camps” for these young people, where he invested in their lives, trained them in working hard (while having fun), and discipled them in the ways of the Lord. Andy was the definition of a servant. He consistently displayed the heart of Jesus in the way he cared for others. He was quick to help with any need, using his God-given talents to bless those who needed help. He was a friend to all, even those who might be difficult or different. This was how he displayed his love for his Savior - Andy loved people. This love was incredibly evident toward his family. He and Emily shared a unique bond of love, care and respect for one another. He had a deep love for his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family or when he was supporting his grandkids at a game or a show. He was also incredibly excited when his son was installed as lead pastor of the church he loved so much. His love even poured out to others as he was quick to open the doors of his home to house someone in need for the weekend or as long as needed. Andy’s life affected every person that knew him. As a friend said, “Because he was ‘hands on’, his fingerprints will be found for decades…” His absence has left a huge hole in his community, but we know that he is rejoicing in his Savior’s presence - healed and whole. A service will be held to honor Andy’s life on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 1pm, at Metro Life Church Casselberry, FL. Since Andy loved the FL Gators, please wear your Gator gear (or support your favorite team - as he never shied away from friendly rivalry.) For those who would like to attend the service virtually, please follow this link at the designated service time: https://boxcast.tv/view/richard-andrew-andy-jessee-memorial-service-odqtazfbcgtqspsi5zz1 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Faithful 2022 fund, which will go toward the church and building to which he invested so many years of his life. www.metrolife.org/faithful The family of Andy Jessee invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.

Richard Andrew Jessee

October 18, 1949 - December 24, 2021