Billy Gene Richards

Bill G. Richards, 90, passed away December 16, 2025 in Weatherford, Texas. Bill was a long-time resident of both Levelland (an instructor at South Plains College) and later in Lubbock as a bladesmith selling his handmade knives at Gun and Knife shows across West Texas.  

Bill was born in 1935 to two loving parents, James A. Richards and Myrtle R. Richards in Amarillo, Texas. Bill and his brother, Bob were raised in Fritch, Texas and graduated from Phillips High School in the Class of 1955.  

Bill met his wife, Barbara (Locke) Richards while attending West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas. They married in 1959 and Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts in 1960. Bill answered the call to serve and joined the Army officer training program. He was stationed in West Germany for most of his active duty service in 1962. He graduated with a Master's Degree from Colorado State University. Andrew and Mark were born soon after his return to West Texas while he and Barbara lived in Littlefield, Texas.  

Bill moved the family to Levelland when he began teaching Machinist Trades at South Plains College. Bill was a long-time resident of Levelland. He taught at South Plains College for 15 years, owned a floral shop, and was employed by Eagle Picher in Lubbock.  

He continued his military service with the Army Reserve Civil Affairs unit based in Lubbock, Texas. Bill was an active member of Cactus Drive Church of Christ and Austin Street Church of Christ. 

Bill married Sue Richards and moved to Lubbock. He built a shop behind his house and became a bladesmith. Bill could forge knife blades, polish wood handles, and create beautiful leatherwork sheaths. For about fifteen years, he could be found at local Gun and Knife shows selling custom-made knives.  

Bill was preceded in death by his father, James; his mother, Myrtle; his brother, Bob Richards in 2020; first wife, Barbara Richards Stevens in 2020; and his second wife, Sue Richards in 2020.  

Bill is survived by Andrew Richards of Mineral Wells and Mark Richards of Flower Mound. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Seth Richards and Haden Richards.  

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 27th, 2025, at Combest  Funeral Homes chapel in Lubbock. Interment of ashes will be held at Memory Gardens in  Weatherford at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Humane Society or the charity of your choice.