Richard "Rick" Nelson Staples

Richard "Rick" Nelson Staples, 73, of Apex, North Carolina, was welcomed into the arms of His Lord and Savior when he was called home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with his family by his side, surrounded by love.

A man of deep faith, Rick loved Jesus very much and shared the good news of the Gospel with others.  He gave his life to Jesus in 1992 and is now enjoying the perfect presence of our Lord forever.  He was a loving, devoted, and caring Dad; a kind, sweet, loving "Poppy" to his grandchildren, and a completely generous, selfless man to all.  What an honor it is to have known him.

Rick was born in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Harry Hager Staples and the late Mary Nelson Burruss Staples. He worked diligently for 40 years at Carolina Power and Light/Progress Energy as both a lineman and a dispatcher.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kristen (Staples) Bell, and her devoted husband, Rion Bell, of Wake Forest; treasured grandchildren, Evangeline Bell and Greyson Bell; loving and devoted best friend of 33 years, Barbara McFatter of Raleigh; mother of his daughter and loving friend, Carol "Gamma" Fleming of Wake Forest; and many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard Wade Staples; brother, Harry Todd Staples; and sister, Judith Staples Haynes.

The funeral service will be held at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home in Wake Forest, NC on Saturday, September 27th at 2:00 pm, followed by a private family burial at a later date.

The family would welcome flowers and/or memorial contributions that can be made to North Wake Church, 1212 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (northwake.com/give), in honor of Rick’s faith and in memory of his life and love for our Lord Jesus.
We love you, Dad/Poppy/Rick... always and forever.  

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com