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1950 - 2024
1950 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
1950
2024
Golden Richards was a former NFL wide receiver who caught a touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1978 Super Bowl.
We invite you to share condolences for Golden Richards in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
(Photo: George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
32 Entries
Jodie Mosley
March 8, 2025
rip
Mike Riley (Herb)
March 23, 2024
Rest In Peace my friend.. Great memories playing football in your front yard with you and Sterling.
Barbara Kennedy
March 16, 2024
Rest in peace, cousin. I´m planting a tree in your memory
Joe DeHoyos
March 13, 2024
RIP Golden Richards!
A great football player and great athlete you are Mr. Richards!
Football players have a unique bond. In Texas I played 6 man football and 11 man football. I enjoyed both.
You, Golden Richards helped out and contributed to the Dallas Cowboys 20 (From 1965 to 1985) straight winning seasons that, God willing will never be broken! Roger Staubach, Jethro Pugh, Bill Gregory, Drew Pearson, Dwain Thomas, Tony Dorset, Jay Saldi, Ed too tall Jones,
John Dutton, Randy White, Efrain Herrera, Tom Rafferty, Aron Kyle, Tony Fritch, Bob Lily, Mike Ditka, Cornell Green, Mel Renfro,
Danny Villanueva, John Fitzgerald, Mitch Hupps, and other unnamed legendary Dallas Cowboys players made history with Legendary Coach Tom Landry and Tex Schramm and Gil Brandt, Ernie Strautner, and other staff made those 20 straight winning seasons all possible. As a fan I am proud of all you players for that and your contribution to Dallas Cowboys football, coming from a proud/humble fan of DC football in the past and I still always will be a fan. My condolences to the Richards family and friends for your/our loss.
Joe Vealger DeHoyos
Carlsbad, Tx - Sanatorium, Tx
West Texas, USA !
Heather McPhee
March 10, 2024
To the Richards family & my classmate Doug: I am truly saddened to hear of Golden's passing. He was a superb example of someone who was bestowed with great gifts and always treated everyone with grace & respect. My sympathies to you all. Heather McPhee (Taylor)
David S. Cracroft
March 5, 2024
On a plane ride from Dallas to SLC, in the late summer of 1980, Golden and I sat next to each other. Being a pretty good player myself, and having keen interest in Golden, I was told by Golden the tale of his life, with its highs and lows. By the end of his story, I had grown from a fan into an admirer. I sensed his courage, devotion, bravery and human-ness.
Maygod preserve the memories of the goodness of this man, J. Golden Richards, and continue to comfort his family, far and wide, until the Great Redeemer declares "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. ....Enter into my Glory."
Valya Mecham
March 3, 2024
I was so saddened to hear this news, I have the fondest memories of the Richards family and my prayers to out to all of you!
Wade and Leslie Meier
March 1, 2024
We were always proud to say that we knew Golden Richards from junior high days, and watched with great interest his football career through the years. He meant a lot to the Meier family. Thoughts and prayers for the Richards family.
Wade and Leslie Meier
Gordon Gleave
March 1, 2024
I remember skipping school at Granite high school to go golfing with Golden his brother Doug and their father. Later after Golden had graduated and I was invited to his wedding when he had become a famous Dallas Cowboys receiver. I was blown away when I shook his hand in his wedding line and he remembered that I had been knocked out of football my senior year with a knee injury. And he offered his condolences and said he was sorry that I had been hurt. Golden"s speed in track was legendary and watching his rise to stardom was a lot of fun. I silently suffered also with his family members when he fought his off the field battles. I have good memories of Golden Richard's. It was a privilege to know him. My best wishes to his family at this time of his loss.
Kory lunak
March 1, 2024
I never met golden Richard´s but I followed him throughout his football career , He was an amazing football player and a joy to watch, RIP .
Sherri
February 29, 2024
I was a little girl growing up in Dallas in the 1970s. I fell in love with football and with Golden in 1977 at the age of 13. He and the Cowboys brought me so much joy that season. Golden catching that touchdown pass in SuperBowl XII sealed Denver´s fate and that day remains one of the happiest days of my life. Condolences to the Richards family and Godspeed Golden ..rest easy with the angels and thank you for the memories
Elizabeth Bell
February 29, 2024
R.I.P. Golden Richard
Dan Holladay
February 29, 2024
Well me and Golden competed against each other in many sporting events in High school. We both were honored as all state running backs. I met Golden again the University of Wyoming when we played against each other again. He was all decked
In his white shoes. What a great guy! What is ironic is that I realized we both were in elementary school together in 1st and 2nd grade before we moved. I still remember playing at your house on the corner. I never was not able to reconnect with him at at that level again. Looking forward to getting reacquainted again and sharing old times that had been forgotten. A friend always Dan.
Janis McClellan
February 28, 2024
I was a big fan of Golden Richards. I grew up not far from the big pink house , went to Granite High , married young and moved to Dallas at 19 years old. My husband got us season tickets for the 1977 season. I loved to watch him play and knowing where he grew up where I did made it so cool. Thank you for the great memories, you made us all so proud in many ways.
Janis McClellan
Gary Shaw
February 28, 2024
I am Lucky in life to be a friend of the Richards. Golden was a hero of mine, not just as an athlete, but as someone who was caring, loving, and kind. And always made me feel like I was a friend of his. Good memories of him story telling of hunting, or football. One memory I have is him coming to the elementary field Sterling and I would practice football on. Running with us, teaching and playing, coaching, and goofing around with a younger brother and his friend. I always thought we were faster than most because of that, but more than that was lessons taught by his friendship. My love and condolences to the family.
Lana(Roach) Perry
February 28, 2024
Doug and family, I was saddened to hear of Golden´s passing. Many of us knew his name but none knew him as well as his family. May you all find comfort in the memories you shared and the love he left behind. May the Lord comfort you today and in the days, weeks and yes even the months ahead. My heart is with you!
Lana R Perry
Kristine Merrell Rogers
February 28, 2024
I remember Golden as a super-human, handsome boy running and jumping over hurdles, his golden hair flowing behind him. I also remember him walking the halls of Granite High School, giving a nod, a smile, or a "hello" to everyone he passed. Golden was indeed kind. May he rest in peace, and may his family be comforted knowing he is out of pain. Kris Merrell Granite Class '71
JLarry ERICKSON
February 28, 2024
RIP my friend. I knew Golden starting at kindergarten at Hillview elementary and was always amazed at his ability to be good at any athletic endeavor. I was introduced to him at a race where he blew by and i wondered who is this kid? He was a fun teammate and a good friend.
Malin "Chuck" Querry
February 28, 2024
I recall Golden as an amazing athlete, and more importantly as a very nice guy.
He helped me learn how to run high and low hurdles. He was patient and helpful to me, a sophomore and he was a senior.
He was amazing to watch in all the sports he played a Granite High.
My condolences and sympathy to all his family.
Fan
February 28, 2024
Rest in peace, Golden. You were fun to watch, and we appreciated your toughness, talent, all out efforts, and contributions to your teams and the game.
JF
February 28, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve Brown
February 27, 2024
In my career I have had the privilege of knowing many fine athletes but I can say without a doubt. I have never seen a better athlete than golden richards. More importantly golden was a better person than he was an athlete. Not once did I ever see, Nor even heard that he blew someone off because he thought he was better than they were. He was one of the most genuine people I have had the privilege to be acquainted with. To my great regret I never got a chance to fish with him. He would often call after one of my shows at channel 4 and ask. When are we going fishing. Although we always committed to doing it, we never set an actual date and I will alway regret it. His final act of donating his brain for research speaks volumes about who he was. Rest in peace, Goldie.
Nancy J Love
February 27, 2024
Golden left such positive memories with our family and friends. We are all saddened by his passing.
He was a remarkable sportsman but most of all a kind, caring individual who will be missed by many.
My heartfelt condolences to his family
Brian Hale
February 27, 2024
I was a younger athlete, fortunate to be associated with Golden @ the State Track Championships in 1969.
One always felt the friendship of a superstar... He was truly a friend to all he associated with!
My heartfelt condolences to his family & sons...
Golden, rest in peace, you deserve it!
Chris Johnson
February 27, 2024
I just loved watching Golden fly down the field while playing with the Cowboys. He was a true superstar.
One of the millions of his fans,
Chris Johnson
Boise
Jim Johnson
February 27, 2024
Golden, Thankyou for the wonderful memories. Growing up as a teenager watching Golden play football, Attending his games at BYU and going to Cowboy's Training camp in Thousand Oaks California with him are memories that I will never forget .Your a good man John Golden Richards RIP
God bless your family in this time of sorrow, My prayers are with all your family. Doug, Sterling, Royal & Dollie, I'm very sorry for the loss of your Loving Brother.
Jackson Ewing
February 27, 2024
To the Richard´s family I´m am so sorry for your loss. Golden always treated me so well, it was a thing of beauty watching him run and play any sport, RIP Golden may your family be blessed with happy memories
Jon Liddiard
February 27, 2024
Golden Richards was a great guy. I have known him since I was in the fifth grade at Hillview Elementary School. He loved to fish and hunt in our beautiful Utah mountains. He is best known for his football success because he was such an incredible athlete. He was also a great Track and Field star and a very good basketball player. I was on the track team, with Golden, when he was a senior and I was a junior. He won the state 100 yard dash, the 200 yard dash, the 180 yard low hurdles and the long jump in the state finals. Granite High won the state meet over Skyline that year. The amazing thing is that Golden's personal score would have taken 2nd place in the state finals over all of the other teams in the meet. I will be in California on the day of your funeral and will not be able to attend. Rest in peace my friend. I would also like to say hello to Golden's younger brother, Doug.
Sincerely, Jon Liddiard
Jay Leak
February 27, 2024
Golden attended Bonneville Junior High for one year and was always kind and inclusive of me. It was an honor playing with the most gifted athlete I knew. And he was a friend!
Ken Gardner
February 26, 2024
He was an idol and Super Star. Our generation was very proud of his Super Bowl success, as well as his tremendous athletic feats at BYU and Granite High School. I was privileged to play on a State Champion softball team in the early '70s. RIP Golden. You were one of the very Best!... Ken from SLC.
William N Norbert Mitchell
February 26, 2024
You will be missed by all you were a great football player rest in peace
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