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William Richards Obituary
Bill was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on March 23, 1934. He was a highly decorated pilot and veteran who served in Vietnam. He retired in 1974 after 20 years of service.
After retirement, Bill completed his B.S. in accounting from the University of West Florida. He was employed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as an accountant and Data Center supervisor for 22 years. During his long life he loved to read and garden, loved to sail and fish, and traveled extensively with his wife and family. His crowning adventure was a trip with his wife, Carmen, to the Holy Land in March 2011. He loved and served the Lord and was a great patriarch to his family. He will always be remembered for his loving nature and great sense of humor.
Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carmen Richards; three sons, William Jr. (Debbie) Richards, Steven (Dorothy) Richards, and Mark (Dianne) Richards; three daughters, Emily (Mark) Ketchum, Maria (Tim) Dahn, and Joyce Richards; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. at Covenant Community Church in Fort Walton Beach. A private interment will take place on Feb. 6 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Life Ministries of NW FL Inc., P.O. Box 250, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Richards
Katie Robinson
February 5, 2012
I don't remember every meeting him in person. But I remember the kindness and loving spirits of Emily, Mark and Steve when I was growing up and attending school with them 1974-1978. Children are a reflection of their parents. It is a joy to read the testimonies about their father. What a beautiful homecoming celebration he had.
Helen Hall (Shelton)
February 5, 2012
Thinking of you all at this bitter sweet time and remembering Bill's (and Carmen's) great capacity to love unconditionally. He touched my life.
Bill Wise
February 5, 2012
Dorothy and I express our thanks and appreciation for the time we had to know Bill. His faith and witness was always encouraging. Carmen, our prayers are with you and the family, knowing how precious the Lord is to all of you. We look forward to the resurrection regathering of all who trust in our Lord, Jesus.
Barbara Zipfel
February 4, 2012
Dear Carman and family,
Bill was always the calm, strong hand at the tiller in any type of weather situation. He will be missed.
Barbara and Peter Zipfel
February 4, 2012
The Richards Family have been a blessing to us at Abundant Life Church throughout the years. Bill will be missed, but we rejoice at his Homegoing. Our prayers are with the family for God to continue to give comfort. Love LM & June Thorne Ft Walton Bch, Fla.
Penelope Sheehan
February 3, 2012
Whenever I think of the phrase "servant's heart", I will think of Bill. His kindness to my parents, to me, and to everyone who lived in his neighborhood were legendary. May God comfort and keep you all.
February 3, 2012
What a mighty man of God!! What a mighty family that he raised to serve God, love God and walk in all His precepts. He treated me like a daughter and had a smile that God truly blessed. His tenderness and strength in God never failed or waivered. What a blessing to be with the Lord Jesus and to be able to say, "I am home". Bless you and your family and thanks for allowing me to be a small of part of it. Love to all..Jean Wilcox
Mark Lapre
February 3, 2012
On behalf of the Lapre family, I would like to express our condolences to you Carmen and your family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sorrow. May God take away your sorrow and pain and renew your peace and joy.
Sine Bodden
February 3, 2012
Thinking of you all and remembering this wonderful man.
Bonnie Evans
February 3, 2012
Carmen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of Bill's homegoing. The Holy Spirit will give the comfort and support you need! Thank the Lord we will see him again! Blessings, Bonnie
Joe Knowles
February 3, 2012
Heaven just became a little better place. Blessings of peace and joy to you, Carmen, and to all the family.
Mary Ann Yann
February 3, 2012
The Bragg and Yann Families send many blessings to all of you. Thank you sharing Bill with all of us.
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