Malcus Dwayne Richards

Malcus Dwayne Richards was born July 12, 1956, in Ethelsville, Alabama. Malcus' early years were spent in Muskegon MI. with his mother Arlene Phillips Rice and stepfather Johnnie Phillips Sr. From an early age, Malcus exhibited great curiosity and a love of learning, and he was an avid reader. He accepted Christ and attended Beulah Baptist Church with his family. His teenage years were spent in Flint MI. with his father, Percy Richards Jr. and stepmother Helen Richards. There he excelled at sports and attended Flint Northwestern High School, graduating in 1974.
After graduating from high school, Malcus enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Ord on Monterey Bay in California. Once his military service was complete, Malcus attended San Jose State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. While studying at San Jose State University, Malcus joined, and rose to be the chairperson of, the local chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers organization (NSBE).
Upon graduation from San Jose State in 1986, Malcus worked for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and later worked for the Hewlett-Packard Corporation. That year, Malcus also met the love of his life, Pat Rosser, and they were married in 1990 in San Jose, CA. Soon after, they were joined in California by Malcus' two sons, Malcus Dwayne II and Mario.
In 1995 Malcus and Pat relocated the family to Atlanta, Georgia. Malcus continued to work for Hewlett-Packard but soon sought greater opportunities as an entrepreneur, establishing his own business, E-Prime Marketing. He was especially interested in helping young professionals start their careers. Malcus helped found the NSBE Professionals chapter in San Jose and later rose to be the NSBE Professionals National Chairperson. Always passionate about technological advances and professional networking, Malcus was one of the founding members and Chairperson of the Atlanta Drupal User's Group. He also founded the Association of Black Engineers, Scientists and Technologists networking group.
Malcus and Pat were blessed in 2000 with their daughter, Maya. Dwayne, Mario, and Maya were raised on an abundance of love, music, sports and mathematics, as Malcus and Pat sought to develop their children's minds and bodies to help them reach their highest potential.
His love for sports and mentoring youth came together as the coach of church league basketball teams and youth soccer teams. Malcus also assisted with coaching when Maya played basketball for the Jr. Northview Titans team.
As the eldest of 18 siblings, Malcus took his role as big brother and mentor seriously. He was committed to his siblings having the best opportunities to achieve their life goals. His siblings often looked at Malcus as a father figure and respected his guidance. Everyone knew if Malcus entered a room with a philosophical driving question, he had information and advice to share. (Sit down and buckle up). Malcus' dedication to his family and community was recognized and appreciated by everyone who knew him. Malcus was dearly loved, and he will be missed.
Malcus leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 35 years Pat Rosser Richards; Sons: Malcus Dwayne (Audrie) Richards II, Mario (Ebony) Richards; Daughter: Maya Richards; Grandsons: Malachi Richards, Kamari Peterson, and Mario (MJ) Richards Jr.; Brothers: Johnnie Phillips, Eric Phillips, Pastor Kelly (Andrea) Richards, John Dirk (Lisa) Phillips, Percy Richards III, Namon Robertson, Andrew Jones, Brent Tucker; Sisters: Eshe Faizah, Kym (Anthony) Kelley, Sandra (Hameed) Balogun, Jennifer Phillips, Lynette McKinney, Dana Banks, Cecelia (Shawn) Hughes; Felice (Finley) Rosser; Stepmother: Cynthia Richards; Father-in-law: Arthur George Rosser; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Malcus was preceded in death by both parents: Percy Richards Jr, Arlene Phillips Rice; his stepparents: Johnnie Phillips Sr., Helen Richards; Brothers: Brian Richards, Steven Phillips, Robert Phillips, Stephon Rice, Dr. Charles Banks Jr.; Sisters: Karen Phillips Robertson, Nancy Phillips.
Flowers are appreciated. In lieu of flowers, you can also choose to donate in Malcus' memory to the organization he supported throughout his lifetime: The National Society of Black Engineers: https://nsbe.org/donate/, or the Alzheimer's Association https://alz.org.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.