Sterling Richards

We were blessed with the presence and the wisdom of our Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend-Sterling Richards. Quietly in the early hours of February 1, 2024 this great man of God left with us a legacy of love and devotion to God, Family and Country. Sterling Richards was born on Thursday, September 8, 1932 in Orange County, North Carolina to William Richards and Mary Lillian Holman Richards.
Being reared in rural Orange County, North Carolina, Sterling attended the local schools and was a graduate of Central High School – Hillsborough, North Carolina with the 1953 graduating class. Immediately following his graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army and served valiantly for two years. He met a lovely lady by the name of Onie Louise Cooper. He was intrigued, captivated and enamored with her whole being. Following an 11 year courtship, the two were wed in Orange County, North Carolina in1962.
Always striving for better opportunities as a provider, Sterling and Onie migrated to New York. It was here that Sterling, with the assistance of the GI Bill enrolled into the Body & Finder program at Robert Technical School. He was a Foreman with the New York Transit Authority for a number of years until his retirement in 1990.
Sterling knew the importance and the value of having God in his life. When he migrated to New York, he began to fellowship with Grace Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon and served for over 20 years. Upon he and Onie relocating to North Carolina in 1990, they began to worship with First Baptist Church. Here too he was a Deacon as well as Chairman of the Senior Wise Guys and worked with the Bus Ministry. Truly he had a servant's heart and never met a stranger.
His legacy of love and devotion will forever be etched into the lives of his daughter Stacey R. Richards and his favorite, only grandchild, Tanisha A. Richards, who were both his devoted and faithful caregivers; his baby sister: Catherine Richards Huitt. Sisters-in-law: Margaret Richards of Hillsborough, NC, Dorothy Richards of Columbia, SC, Mary L. Richards of Rose Hill, NC, Anna Clayton Richards of Durham, NC, Emma Richards, Burlington, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In his passing he now joins his beloved Onie Louise Cooper Richards; his parents William and Mary Lillian Holman Richards; daughter Karen Richards; and siblings: William, John "Moose", Robert, Clarence, Claudy, Ollie Mae, Walter Lee, Clyde, Mary Louise.
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