Jimmy Ray "J.R." Richards

He is survived by wife of 22 years, Lavada Gayle Williams Richards, mother Melba Peevy Richards, daughter Shari Lewis, brother in law Ron Williams & wife Doris. Niece Tammie Mathis and her children , Christie Levron, husband Ray and children , nephews, Dwayne Williams and wife Dara and children, Brent Page and wife Christi and children. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest Richards and brother Gary Richards.

J. R. came to Nashville as a young man and signed as a songwriter with the John T. Benson Company. He traveled with many gospel groups, including the Rambos, Challengers, Sentinels, and the Florida Boys. Later in his career he managed the Mystery Men and then founded Gold Harbor. He was known in the gospel music industry for his distinctive tenor voice and innovative vocal arrangements. He coined the term Southern Praise and Worship to describe his goal for Gold Harbor, which was to glorify God with great harmony and a powerful message of hope in Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Christ Church 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville, Tennessee 37211 with Rev. Rick Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Family and friends will gather to remember J. R. at a visitaiton Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 5:00 until 9:00 and Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 9:00 until the 11:00 service at Christ Church.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 1150 South Dickerson Rd. in charge of arrangements.