Richard Kipp Behenna

Mr. Richard Kipp Behenna, a devoted husband, exemplary parent and a kind and compassionate friend, left this world peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 and entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father, now in a world of no more pain and suffering. He was born in Miami, Florida and lived in Cutler Ridge. During those years as a Ridge Rat he played baseball, football and soccer. Rick graduated from Miami Southridge in 1978 and signed with the Atlanta Braves Baseball organization. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1983 and continued his baseball career. In 1984 he met his wife of 27 years, Kimberly Smith, who fell madly in love with him and devoted her life to his dreams and goals. He used his God given talent, skill and knowledge of baseball to share with the community. Rick's passion for baseball drove him to coach at East Coweta High School for several seasons and give private lessons to up and coming baseball players in surrounding communities. He also developed and organized a summer college baseball league for local college players. Rick always gave back all of the knowledge he developed as a professional baseball player in hopes that it would help young men achieve their dreams. Most of all, his desire was to instill good work ethic, discipline, character and integrity in the development of all whom he came into contact with. Rick will forever be remembered as a great leader, coach, friend, father and husband. Surviving Mr. Richard Kipp Behenna are his wife Kimberly and his children Bowen & Brandon. His family, mother Marlayne, brothers, Mark, Scott, and Gregg, his sister Nancy and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to acknowledge Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Dr. Joseph Parks, Dr. Assikis and Dr. McAlpin for their faithful, loving care he received during this journey that God had called him on. Thank you for never giving up on the diagnoses and thinking outside the box. Thank you for willing to use your skills and knowledge when others wouldn't take the opportunity to take on the challenge. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com Funeral arrangements are by McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson St., Newnan. Vistitation will be Friday evening Febuary 3, 2012 between 6 to 8 P.M. The memorial service will be on Saturday Febuary 4, 2012 at 3:00 P.M at Sonrise Baptist Church, 6 Shenandoah Blvd. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Behenna's memory may be acknowledged by memorial contributions to BAT www.baseballassistanceteam.com or Pink Posse www.pinkposseofga.com and follow the prompts to make a donation. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Richard Kipp Behenna

March 6, 1960 - January 31, 2012