Dr. Hugh Richards

LAKELAND -- Dr. Hugh "Morgan" Richards had a talent for working with his hands, and when he wasn't repairing teeth at his dental practice he could repair just about anything."Morgan had numerous hobbies. Most notably, he was known to be able to fix anything from a color television set to a toaster," said his son, Dr. Harley M. Richards of Lakeland. "In Highlands, N.C., he was Mr. Fixit for Mountain Findings, a local charitable organization."The retired dentist died of lung failure Wednesday (March 10, 2004) at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was 80.The Lakeland native was born Aug. 7, 1923, and attended Lakeland schools through high school. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1941 and was pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Florida when he interrupted his education to join the military as a front-line combat medic during World War II. He served in the European Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star.After the war, he attended Emory University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1948."He had a good friend, Jim Bird, who was from Lakeland, and they made a bet on going to dental school. They went to go to Emory together," said his wife of 56 years, Helen Richards. She met her future husband while he was attending Emory University School of Dentistry and she was attending the nursing school at Emory.For 37 years, Dr. Richards operated his practice in Lakeland at 111 E. Lemon St. He retired in 1989.He received his private pilot's license in 1945, and maintained an interest in flying throughout his life, obtaining single, multi-engine and seaplane ratings.He was a member of the American Dental Association, served as president of the Polk County and West Coast Dental Associations, and was a delegate and trustee of the Florida Dental Association. He volunteered at the Vo-Tech School in the dental assistant program and was an assistant Scout master of Troop No. 104. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, the Imperial R/C Club Inc. the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Lone Palm Golf and Country Club. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.In addition to his wife and son, Dr. Richards is survived by his son, Charles P. Richards, Lakeland; daughter, Laura Richards Garland, Panama City Beach; brother, William T. Richards, LaGrange, Ga.; six grandchildren.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 this evening at Heath Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Burial Park. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 809 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.