Obituary: Richard Katz

Richard Katz, a proud American, devoted Jew, entrepreneur, philanthropist, gentleman farmer, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

Born Nov. 29, 1930, in Jersey City, N.J., Richard moved to the Atlanta area as a young man. At 14, he told what he later called a “little fib” that allowed him to become a United States Marine Corps rifle instructor. His service as a Marine remained one of his proudest accomplishments. He was a true patriot who loved his country and the American flag.

Richard’s love of country was matched by his deep love for Judaism. His faith shaped his values and his generosity throughout his life. He was a longtime supporter of Jewish causes and ultimately provided the initial funding to establish the Richard and Jean Katz Temima High School for Girls, leaving a lasting legacy in Jewish education.

Richard began his professional career in Atlanta in the 1960s, working for a Jewish female banker at a time when such a position was unusual in the South. He learned the business of banking and lending and went on to build successful businesses of his own over more than six decades. Richard had a remarkable knack for making money, but his heart for people was even bigger. In some of Atlanta’s poorest communities, he was willing to lend money based not simply on financial statements, but on a handshake and what he saw in a borrower’s eyes. He believed in giving people a chance.

And then there was the farm. Richard was a gentleman farmer whose greatest passion was his American Saddlebred horses. He trained and showed them and took great pride in his horses. He often joked that he had learned everything about horses — except how to make money with them. He built one farm by hand and restored another and loved nothing more than cutting grass or tinkering with farm equipment.

Richard also had his own philosophy about work and life. He ran his business Monday through Thursday and headed to the farm for the rest of the week. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were for his horses, the farm, and the things he loved. Somehow, he found the energy to do it all.

He was also a wonderful host who loved bringing people together. His generosity, humor and unmistakable personality made his gatherings memorable and his friendships lasting.

Richard was proud of every role he held in life: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, Marine, businessman, farmer and friend. Above all, he was proud of his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendi (Tom) Lowry; his son, Will Katz; granddaughters, Michelle (Michael) Gdovin, Lauren Kaufman, Amelia Katz, and Lydia Katz; and great-grandchildren, Eve and Rennix Vizurraga.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Katz; his parents, Jay and Hazel Katz; his sisters, Eleanor Maynard and Loraine Pegler; his brother, Mark Katz; and his grandson, Garrett Kaufman.

Richard Katz lived a remarkable life on his own terms. He served his country, lived his faith, built businesses, believed in people, loved his horses, and created a life filled with family, friendship and purpose. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the businesses and institutions he helped build, but in the many people whose lives were touched by his generosity and his willingness to believe in them.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care. A funeral service was held at Crest Lawn Memorial Park in Atlanta, followed by a reception at the home of his daughter, Wendi Lowry, 4120 Spalding Hollow NW, Norcross, GA 30092.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richard and Jean Katz Temima High School for Girls or City of Hope.