William Eric Richards

William Eric Richards was born on March 16, 1948 and passed away at his home in Fairfield, Texas on September 15, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. His beloved wife, Janice, was by his side as he went to be with the Lord.
Rick grew up in Fairfield and later moved to Corsicana where he graduated from Corsicana High School in 1966. Rick then attended Texas Christian University and upon graduation, joined his stepfather, John James Innis, in his orthopedic practice as a Physician Assistant. He flourished in this role, assisting many surgeons and helping numerous patients over the years until his retirement in 2006.
Rick married the love of his life, Janice, in 1978. They lived in Forth Worth, Texas and joined Worth Baptist Church shortly after they married where Rick taught Sunday school for many years. His pastor, Dr. Raymond Barber, became a very close friend and important influence in his life. Rick especially loved teaching the young married class and had students visit him many years after with stories of how the biblical knowledge he shared impacted their lives. He was truly an example to all who knew him. It was Rick's faith and the love and care of his devoted wife that sustained him all these years.
Second to his love of the Lord, came Rick's love for his family and the outdoors. Nothing thrilled Rick more than to move back to his family farm in Fairfield after retirement. Here he raised his small herd of cattle, all of which he and Janice named and took great pride in caring for. He loved fishing and watching all wildlife on the farm but most of all, loved having family visit and share his most special place with them. His grand nieces and nephews loved to visit and get a personal lesson in bass fishing, tractor riding, and cattle tending. Rick's quick wit and dry humor shined in these moments as always and this quality was with him until the end.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, William Hoyt Richards; mother and stepfather, Macye and John Innis; and brother-in-law, Steve Stroube.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Janice Richards; his sister, Elaine Stroube; sister and brother-in-law, Sharion and Billy Bostic: brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Staci Innis; nephew, Gil Stroube and wife, Lauren; niece, Kate Hrobsky, and husband, Dirk; niece, Anne Brown and husband, Turner; niece, Lainey Economides and husband, Costa; nieces, Katie and Grace Bostic; niece, Chelsea Powers and husband, Kyle; niece, Madeline Innis; and nine grand nieces and nephews.
The life of William Eric Richards will be honored at a family graveside service in Fairfield, Texas.