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Christopher Richards Obituary
Chris was the son of the late Don and Marilyn Shaver Richards and Bill Sweda. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he grew up in Ohio and Florida. He graduated from Furman University in 1973 with a degree in biological science. As a young man he pondered the decision to enter the medical profession to cure or greatly improve the treatment of diabetes. A greater lifelong passion, music, won the day. He was an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, teacher and all-around musician, playing in the Columbia area and the Southeast. He played with or opened for some well-known national musicians, but his heart was in playing with other local musicians and friends in the Columbia area and South Carolina. Chris was a generous musician, always supporting other musicians' success, but he was ever the music teacher with instructions on how one could improve.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Noni Von Hollen Richards; brother, Curtis (Wendy) Richards; sisters, Cindy (John) Bell and Corey (Don) Woods; brothers-in-law, Dirke (Kathy) Von Hollen and Stephen (Julie Ann Avin) Von Hollen; nephews, John, Michael, Eric and Josh; and nieces, Audrey, Hayley, Meredith, Natalie, and adopted niece, Scarlett.
In true Chris Richards style, an informal Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 5th from 3-6 p.m. at the home of Stephen Von Hollen and Julie Ann Avin at 2720 Blossom St., Columbia, SC 29205.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Richards
November 9, 2011
My partner, the other half of my voice, I will miss forever.
Tim Austin
Carolyn McLaughlin
November 7, 2011
Dear Noni: We have missed Chris since he first fell ill but we always thought he would get better and return to the stage. He was so kind to us and always gave us a chance to play a couple of songs. He was such a pleasure to know. I remember one time when you came and he bantered back and forth with you in the audience and it was so funny.
His death is a terrible loss to you, to his friends and to the Columbia music world. The only consulation is that he is no longer suffering.
You and his family are in our hearts and prayers. I'm sorry I didn't know about the memorial until after the fact but he will be missed and remembered with loving thoughts.
Carolyn McLaughlin, West Columbia
Fred and Bunny Jones
November 6, 2011
We just learned today of Chris' passing. We wish the family well. Chris was a fine person and will surely be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Best wishes.
gloria crapps
November 5, 2011
noni you and chris are dearest frieds of mlne and chris will forever be mlssed by me and you will always be in my prayers with loveing memories and thoughts gloria
Wallstreet
November 4, 2011
My forever Brother, Our days of traveling and playing together, will always hold a place in my heart. When I listen to music, I hear you. You have the soul we all long for. I will see you again on stage my friend. Prayers to all, who's lives you have touched. To all who have known you, God Bless. Forever remembered my Brother...forever remembered.....
Jesse Soles
November 4, 2011
Noni, My heart and prayers go out to you and Chris' family. Chris was a wonderful person, full of love and compassion. He was always a joy to be around. He touched so many lives and the Columbia music scene has truly lost a great musician and friend.
Ed Patterson
November 4, 2011
I first met Chris as he was hosting an open mike at Kelly's bar downtown Columbia. It was my first time in doing open mike. It seemed like an eternity waiting on a few people ahead of me to do their sets. Then Chris came to me and said to only do three songs. That was fine with me because that's all I had in my book. Afterwards he complimented me on my singing and asked if I would care to join him doing open mike at other places. The rest was history. For four plus years I followed him all around Columbia and West Columbia doing open mike. My fondest memory of him was when he sang backup on my closing song of my sets . It was “Turn The Page.” I can still hear him singing…”Here I am On the road again, There I am Up on the stage, Here I go Playin' star again, There I go Turn the page.” You Go Chris. You will be missed much Buddy.
Ed Patterson
Eddie & Jerri Hunt
November 3, 2011
Chris was a wonderful human being. We thank him for the inspiration that took Eddie back to what he loves, playing the bass, for the inspiration to our grandaughter that has given her an appreciation of music and the hunger to learn to play it through her instruments. Most of all, we loved Chris for being a good friend. We thank Chris for the many good memories we now have to share with eachother while holding him dear in our hearts.
To Noni and the family, our thoughts and prayers continue with you.
Rest in peace Chris, until we meet again. We love you.
jack douglas
November 3, 2011
chris, sorry to hear you crossed over before me,
thank you ,for all you did for me, and all the people you helped in your life time,
see ya soon .
maybe you can finally teach me to play ....
Thom Stoudemire
November 3, 2011
Chris was an amazing musician and a truely wonderful person. He was one of my favorite performers at the Second Level..... always so sincere and easy to work with. His influence on so many musicians will be felt for years to come. Family and friends will miss him greatly.
Red Fraley
November 3, 2011
Chris inspired me to do acoustic shows. He will be greatly missed among us musicians and many more. He was truly one of the legends in Columbia.
November 3, 2011
Noni,
Scarlett and I will miss Chris deeply. Chris has touch more poeples life than any one will ever know. We have had some of the best times ever. We love you very much'
Cherry and Scarlett Couillard,
Tony Love
November 3, 2011
Chris did so much for local music and musicians. The first time I played guitar in public was at one of his open mics. Later I joined a band as a drummer and we quite often played one of Chris' original tunes. He was an encouraging and talented man. My sympathies to the family. Chris will be missed by so many.
Crystal (Chris) Cannon Myers
November 3, 2011
I first met Chris in the early 1980's when he played music with various others artist at Crockmyer's. He was such a funny person and so talented in many areas of music. The last time I saw Chris was about 2000, when he played a solo act at a local pub and it was great fun catching up on each others lives after so many years. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Dee Cromer
November 3, 2011
Our Prayers are with Chris's family in this time of sorrow. I had the pleasure of meeting and enjoying Chris's music in the late 70's. Always enjoyed hearing him perform. He was very talented.
Robert Farrell
November 3, 2011
I first lived in Columbia in the early 1980's. Chris would play regularly at a little new bar of the day off of Broad River Road, north of I-20.
Any time I saw his name on the bar's chalkboard, I'd try to make it a point to get there to enjoy his live music.
Every time I saw him, he was always a showman with a great smile, and a showman who wanted his audience to have an enjoyable time.
Good thoughts are sent to all who miss him.
November 2, 2011
noni, i am so sorry to hear of chris's passing, i understood he was having difficulty these last couple of months, he was a special person, he was a part of my family a long time ago, a special person among us, and not a day goes by that we don't think about chris, it has been a long time, may god bless you and your family., i would like to contact you at some time later noni, when it's ok, just to say hi, trish
Bill Poole
November 2, 2011
Chris was a very wonderful person, I will always remember him. I haven't seen him for many years, but to me he was like a brother. Very sincere, honest and loving. He loved his music, his passion. He loved Noni, his love.
November 2, 2011
Noni, It brings me great sorrow to learn of Chris' passing. He was a great musician and a wonderful friend. The world will miss his kindness and wonderful smile. Doug Goolsby
November 2, 2011
Noni,
I am sincerely sorry to hear of Chris' passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Paula G. Oxner
November 2, 2011
My husband and I had the opportunity to meet Chris many years ago after he played his guitar at a local restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed his music. He later became our son's guitar teacher. He made a positive impact on entertainment in the Columbia area, and he will be missed.
Our sincere condolences,
Maureen Humphries
Buddy Parker
November 2, 2011
I was so shocked to hear about Chris.I have had the pleasure of knowing Chris for many years.He was a great musician,and like other highly talented musicians I 've been blessed to know was a great person on and off the stage.He will be greatly missed by all us in the Columbia Area and State too. Budington Heyward Parker
November 2, 2011
Noni, you are in our hearts...
Mallory, Shari and Jeff
John, Bobbie, Trip Futch
November 2, 2011
We have known Chris for almost 40 years .. The community lost a great musician and we lost a great friend .. Noni, you are in our prayers
November 2, 2011
Dear Noni, My heart and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time and in the days ahead. Chris must have been as special as you, which says so much.
With deepest sympathy, Carol M. David
Bob Wilson
November 2, 2011
Chris was one of the first musicians I met when I moved into the Columbia area in '99.......He was a great friend and musician, always optomistic and encouraging......He will be missed greatly by many....
owen black
November 2, 2011
He will be missed by everyone who has ever known or met him. He was loved by everyone. I'm so sorry for your loss, but he is in a better place now with no pain. God bless all of you!
Alicia Hall
November 2, 2011
Noni, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
Joey Pace
November 2, 2011
We love you Chris and we will miss you every day until we meet again. I express to your family, thank you for the joy you brought to my life and everyone else you touched with music.
Barry Shirley
November 2, 2011
Sorry to hear of Chris' passing . When he came out to my gigs he was always full of praise . The Columbia music was blessed for many years by Chris .
Jennifer Martin/Shoemaker
November 2, 2011
I have known Chris for 18 years.Love him so much and will miss is smiling face on stage.My regards to his family.
November 2, 2011
Noni, I pray the Lord will lift you up during this time. Chris was a wonderful human being. I will miss his music and his friendship. Love Mary Ann Thompson
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