Bill Richards

Bill Richards was born December 10, 1928 in Vera, Texas to Ruben and Hester Randolph Richards. After graduating from Vera High School, Bill attended college when he became part of the class of 1950 at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas, now Texas A&M University. There he received a degree in Petroleum Engineering and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve. While still in school, he married his sweetheart, Paulette Trainham.
After a time spent working in the oil and gas business as a Petroleum Engineer, service called Bill to active duty, where as a 1st Lieutenant he commanded an artillery battery in the Korean War. There he served with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.
After leaving the Army, Bill returned to work as an engineer. Never one to avoid taking a risk to better the life of his family, Bill took an opportunity to move with his wife and three young children to Venezuela in 1955. After a successful career abroad he returned to the United States in 1963. He retired from the corporate world in 1983 and achieved his lifelong dream of establishing his own company when he started a manufacturing enterprise in a one car garage. That company bloomed into a successful business that is still operated by the family today. He was also an avid and successful rancher, with a home and working ranch in Santo, Texas.
Bill was a playful and loving father who taught his children to honor the values he lived. He loved his grandchildren, taking great pride in watching them grow up, marry, and start families of their own. He loved his great-grandchildren and took joy in watching another generation grow up in the same home in Garland, where he had finally put down roots so many years before. Through the years, across the generations, family never ceased to be vitally important to Bill. He was an excellent listener and counselor to all of his relations, his advice always measured, thoughtful, and wise.
Bill was an active and devout Christian leader and teacher of the Word. While he will be missed by those who remain, he met his Lord well prepared by a life of faith and love. He awaits our reunion in Paradise.
Bill is survived by his wife, Paulette; daughter, Kelly Boatman and her husband, Rick; son, Hal Richards and his wife, Christi; brother, Hardy Richards and his wife Betty; and sister, Jan Charles and her husband Cecil. He is further fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his son, Robert.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Ronald McDonald House, St. Judes Childrens Hospital, or Shriners hospital.
Visitation will be Friday December 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 at Archer Funeral Home in Seymour Texas. Burial service will follow in the Vera Cemetery at 11:30 a.m., Friday, under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.
The family will receive visitors at a reception at Vera community center.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Rowlett Saturday, December 17 at 1:00. The Church is located at 4301 Miller Road, Rowlett 75088. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.