Richard A. Blades

Richard A. BladesSylacauga, AL - After a difficult battle with ALS, Richard A. Blades of Sylacauga died in the loving arms of his wife.  Now, he is in the arms of his Savior.Visitation for Richard will be 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, January 11 at Radney-Smith Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 12 at 2:00 pm at Radney-Smith Chapel with Rev. Tommy Thornton and Rev. Jim Shaw officiating.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga.  Richard was a respected businessman in Sylacauga for more than 60 years.  After working at the Sylacauga Cash Store early in his career, Richard started A&M Clothing on North Norton Avenue in downtown Sylacauga.  Over four decades, he and his family have made A&M a cornerstone of the Sylacauga business community.  Richard was a humble servant of the Lord, and he showed it through faithful service to his fellow man. He possessed a deep sense of fairness, which he displayed daily in both his business and personal interactions.  So many people have been quietly blessed by Richard’s generous spirit, but he never wanted praise or recognition for his acts of love.  He was clothed with humility, and he treated all of his neighbors with respect and dignity.  Richard loved his family deeply and served them faithfully.He was married to Betty Culver Blades, his high-school sweetheart, for 57 years.Richard was a member of Unity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Weogufka, AL.  He was previously a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sylacauga where he served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Property Committee.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Jean Blades; his parents, Richard A. Blades, Sr. and Mary Nicks Blades; and his sister, Geraldine Blades Termini.He is survived by his wife, Betty Blades; his son, Richard A. Blades III and daughter-in-law Polly Blades; his grandson, Josh Blades and his wife Emily Blades; his granddaughter, Elisha Blades Bailey and her husband Matthew Bailey; and his beloved great-grandchildren: Oliver Blades, Ellen Bailey, and Caroline Blades.Richard’s nephews will serve as his pallbearers:  Bobby Click, Tim Ezekiel, Jeff Green, Day Johnson, Glen Metts, and Jonathan Windham.In Memory of Richard’s generous spirit, the family asks that contributions be made to the charity of your choice.Memorial messages me be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.comRadney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the service.