John Lex Richards

John Lex Richards, age 84 of Birmingham passed away on Tuesday evening, February 14, 2017. Lex was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was very much loved and will be greatly missed. He taught his family the importance of Jesus, family, and to always make the most of any opportunity that God placed in their lives. Mr. Richards served his country proudly as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was retired from ACIPCO with 43 years of service. He served his Lord as a member and deacon of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church. Lex enjoyed fishing any time he had a chance and really enjoyed taking his family along. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.O, and Ola Richards; brothers, J.O. Richards and James Richards (Ira); a sister, Mary Dean (Lawton). He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joy Richards; his daughters, Theresa Millender (Dudley) and Lisa Richards; grandchildren, Alex Millender (Ashley) and Alan “Buddy” Millender; great grandchildren, Will Millender and Riley Grace Millender; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday evening at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel from 5 until 7 PM followed by chapel services on Friday beginning at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests to please make donations to the Salvation Army or Gardendale’s First Baptist Church. The family would also like to extend their love and appreciation to the staff of Lakeside Hospice for the loving care they provided Mr. Richards.