Alice Huffard Richards

Alice Huffard Richards Mrs. Alice Richards, 75, of Carrollton, GA, died on May 29, 2007 at her home. She is survived by seven children: Roy (Ginna) Richards, Charleston, SC; Jim (Julie) Richards, Atlanta, GA; Nancy (Bob) Farese, San Francisco, CA; Lee (Artie) Richards, St. Simons Island, GA; Elizabeth Richards, Boulder, CO; Robin (Chris) Donohoe, San Francisco, CA; Laura (Jim) Naughton, London, England, and 23 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Richards, Sr., founder of Southwire Company. A community visitation will be held on Friday, June 1, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at her home behind Southwire Lake in Carrollton. Mrs. Richards was a native of Bluefield, WV. She was a graduate of the University of North Carolina. Her civic involvement included board positions with the Georgia Council of the Arts, State Botanical Gardens, Ossabaw Island Foundation, University of West Georgia, Shepherd Spinal Center, CB&T Bank, University of North Carolina, Emory University School of Medicine (Chairman 1991), High Museum of Art, Hillside Hospital, Tanner Medical Foundation, Berry College, Margaret Mitchell House, and Georgia Women of Achievement. She was an active member of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church where she was a lay reader, vestry member, former president of the Church Women. She was the founder and president of Tanner Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies. Through her extended civic involvement she touched many lives. She leaves a legacy of good citizenship and generosity. She will be remembered for her grace and kindness. Each friend of Alice has special memories of her. When they were first married, Roy and Alice lived in a cabin on Southwire Lake that had been built as an office/cabin for Roy. Plans were being drawn for a family home, but that took time. Before their home was built, four children shared the cabin with their parents. Each had a bureau drawer and a closet rod for their clothing. One drawer served as a bassinet for the youngest. Alice wanted their children to learn to ride. If they were to have horses, there would have to be a barn and trainers to handle the animals. Roy, always the business man, realized that such a project could be profitable. The services could be offered to other horse fanciers. So a large barn went up on the Richards land-before the first spade of dirt had been dug for a house. Alice was subjected to a lot of teasing from those of us who suggested she move into the barn, but she held her ground. Alice enjoyed entertaining, and she didn't allow the fact, that she didn't have a 'house' stop her. She had wooden cable reels turned on their sides and placed on the parking outside the cabin. These were covered with white bed sheets and voila! plenty of tables on which to serve. Alice honored countless friends on their birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. The last event I remember being held at the cabin was a bridal party for Susan Reeve Ingle. Children continued to be added to the family. On one occasion Roy had an important business meeting out of town when a birth was imminent. Alice insisted that he go. On her return from driving him to the local airport, she stopped at the hospital to give birth. She was truly born to be a mother. When we stopped by to see the newest Richard, Alice accompanied us to the nursery. When her children were no longer babies, Alice continued her love affair with newborns. If she was at a gathering where there was a baby, in no time the baby would be nestling on Alice's shoulder as if knowing it belonged there. If you wish to remember Alice Richards, a donation to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 606 Newnan Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117 or Alice's House Children's Home, P.O. Box 1596, Carrollton, Georgia 30112 would be a perfect choice. Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton, Georgia has charge of arrangements.