Timothy Reese Richards

Timothy Reese Richards passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 11, 2026. He was born on May 1, 1956 at Clarksburg Hospital in Clarksburg WV. He leaves behind a wife - Brenda Gunther Richards, in Shelby, NC; a brother - Daniel Richard of Texarkana, TX; and two sisters - Elizabeth Bass of Madison, WI and Doneta Osborn of Milton, WI.
Tim lived in the Madison, WI area from 1991- early 2000s; and was married to JoAnn (Jodie) Dussling Ratan Richards until her death on December 9, 2009. On November 18, 2014 he married Terry Heath Richards, and they were married until her death on November 29, 2021. Tim and Brenda were married on October 12, 2022. Tim didn't have children of his own, but dearly loved his nieces and nephews - Gregory Richards, Laura Quaid, Jenna Looney, Danielle Matthews, Tyler Richards, Amii Best, Heather Bernhardt, Ryan Wright, Kerith Grande, Benjamin Wright, Jared Osborn, and Randal Osborn,
Tim was well known for his business - Uncle Tim's Balloons & Magic. Many in the Madison area knew him from his work on State Street, many local restaurants, parties and events, Mallard games, and Buena Vista in the Wisconsin Dells. He was typically seen in a tuxedo with a rose in his lapel; and his balloon creations were out of this world!
Tim loved sailing, playing chess and ping pong at the senior center in Madison, and fishing. He enjoyed singing and playing his harmonica, and had a song for almost any occasion. He celebrated the services of hometown heroes like policemen and firefighters; and it wasn't uncommon for him to drop off gifts of appreciation for them. He held everyone in the military in high regard, telling them so whenever he encountered them. He was an avid reader, especially books about wars and war heroes as well as books about his hobbies.
When Tim ate at a restaurant, he always left the tip in the grip of a balloon teddy bear; and whenever I (Elizabeth Bass) was hospitalized, there would always be a balloon parrot on the IV pole, ready to attack any doctor or nurse who treated me unkindly, as well as a Teddy Bear with Tulips as a gesture of appreciation at the nurses' station.
Tim was a very generous, thoughtful, compassionate person, giving freely of anything he had. He loved the Lord with all of his heart. He worshipped Him in church, in his home, and in nature. He ministered to the strangers he met, the downcast, the homeless, as well as to his friends--many of whom would never see the inside of a church.
If Tim had a dollar for every time a doctor predicted his early demise, he would have had pockets full of cash; but then, it wouldn't have stayed there long before he would find someone to give it to.
Tim was not an ordinary person. He lived life with passion. He cherished quiet moments of solitude and celebrated with enthusiasm when the time was right. He will be dearly, dearly missed here on Earth; but I can't help but feel great joy for him now - standing tall, no longer in pain, no longer struggling; but celebrating his freedom from his physical body that was a constant challenge for him while he was here.
Two weeks before his death Tim asked that I write a letter to the editor of the Wisconsin State Journal to express his gratitude to the many people who knew him here. Right up to the end he was thinking about others who blessed his life.
To me Tim was a hero, a faithful friend, a soulmate, and a treasured brother. It's with heavy hearts that we say farewell and celebrate his home going.
There will be a memorial service held at the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church in Salem, WV on March 7; and his ashes will be scattered on the property of the homestead in Jarvisville, WV where JoAnn's ashes were scattered.