Thomas Ellis Richards

Mr. Richards graduated from the Cartersville School System before marrying his wife, Mrs. Gwendolyn Hendricks RIchards. The couple spent 61 years together before Mrs. Richards' passing. Mr. Richards was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II. Over the course of his remarkable life, he owned several businesses, including a trucking company and a local hotel. He was a member of the Bartow County Planning Commission , serving for three years as well as the Bartow County Zoning Appeals Board. Mr. Richards was an active member of the Bartow County Farm Bureau, serving as president for 20 years. Mr. Richards was also a lifelong member of the Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as church elder for many years.

Mr. Richards is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Luther Richards and Bessie Gaines Richards, his beloved wife of 61 years, Mrs. Gwendolyn Hendricks Richards, brothers; Alvin and Harris Richards, sister-in-law, Mary Jane Richards, sons-in-law, Allen Decker and J.C. Turner, and grandson, Jonathan Day.

Mr. Richards is survived by his children, Mary (Larry) Owens, Betty Nally, Barbara (Ted) Nation, Susan Turner and Janice (John) Day, grandchildren; Mike and Rebecca Godbee, Bill and Julie Owens, Billy and Lori Henson, Michael Kimbrel, Michelle and Jeff Adcock, Sabrina Nation, Jason Nation, Michael and Katie Turner, Connie and Bobby Chapman, Albert and Beth Turner and Jennifer and Thomas Gray,16 great grandchildren, one great-great grandson and sister-in-law Ann Jo Hale.

A celebration of Life Service will be held at eleven o’clock Friday morning, August 25 at Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church officiated by the Reverend Mark Rackley. Pallbearers will be Billy Henson, Bill Owens, Michael Kimbrel, Albert Turner, Philip Richards, Larry Richards , and Bill Hendricks. Serving as honorary pallbearers: Elders of Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The family will receive family and friends at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Ga, Thursday, August 24 from Five thirty until eight o’clock in the evening.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, GA Chapter, 922 East Morris Street, Dalton, GA, 30721.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Owen Funeral Home 12 Collins Drive Cartersville, Ga. has charge of the arrangements

For Thomas Ellis Richards.