Ricky Floyd Richards, Sr., 49, of Tifton died Saturday, March 7, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Clyde Stokes and Rusty Richards will officiate with burial to follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Chula. Vince Abad, Steve Webb, Robin Gates, Hunter Gates and Freddie Taylor will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Richards was born on October 13, 1959 in Tift County and was the son of Talitha Blanchett Jones of Valdosta and the late Jefferson Floyce Richards. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Elbie and Gladys Blanchett, Rev. Floyd and Eunice Richards; two infant brothers; and one aunt, Glenda Richards Peacock. He was retired from Tifton Aluminum Company and a member of Charity Baptist Church in Valdosta. He was a Mason and enjoyed the friends he had over the years. He also enjoyed music and playing the guitar with his sons. Ricky loved his family and enjoyed helping other people. He was previously a funeral director and paramedic.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Richards is survived by his step-father, I. L. Jones of Valdosta; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rusty and Jenny Richards of Newnan and Britt and Kayla Richards of Newnan; one sister, Mary Ann Gates of Leesburg; one grandson, Carson Andrew Richards; one granddaughter, Ellie Richards; many cousins, uncles, aunts and friends; and a special friend, Vince Abad and his family.