Mr. Bobby Don Richards, 82, of Smiths Station, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 3, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family.
A Service of Remembrance will at held at 3:00 P.M. EST, on Friday, April 7, 2023,in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 U.S. Highway 431 North Phenix City, AL 36867, with Rev. Grant Parker officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 P.M. EST at the funeral home.
Mr. Richards was born in Brundidge, Alabama, the son of the late Ruben “Rube” Richards and Willie Pearl Adams Richards. After high school, Mr. Richards proudly served his country in the United States Navy. “BD” as he was known to his friends and family was a true cowboy. He cherished his memories as a professional steer wrestler, calf roper and team roper in the Professional Rodeo and Cowboy Association. He continued to train and work with horses throughout his life. BD was often called upon to help gather loose cows who had escaped and that others were unable to corral. He also enjoyed anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. For years, BD co-hosted the H & R Invitational Bass tournament on Lake Harding. Mr. Richards was a founding member of the “Golden Quarter Investment Club” in Phenix City, AL. For many years he helped mold the lives of young men by coaching football at the Phenix City Boys Club. For fifty-four years, Mr. Richards worked for W. T. Harvey Lumber Company and retired as Store Manager. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church for many years. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Richards was preceded in death by step-mother Annie Ruth Richards, brothers Gene Marlin Richards and Charles Douglas Adams and a grandson Cooper Claridy.
Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of fifty-nine years Angelita Preciado Richards; daughters Ramona Claridy (Glenn) of Salem, AL and Artemisa Harmon (Jason) of Salem, AL; son Joaquin Richards (Carol) of Salem, AL; grandchildren Gabriella Montgomery (Arlen), Savannah Garner (Christopher), Catherine Richards, Elijah Richards, Lola Harmon and Ruben Harmon; great granddaughter Emilia Reyes Garner and sisters Margaret Stewart and Malissia Norris.