Bill Lee Richards

Bill was born in Enid, Oklahoma, the son of Roy D. and Opal Richards. He grew up in Enid and graduated from Enid High School. Bill attended Phillips University, Oklahoma State College and received a degree in Engineering from Oklahoma University. Bill also received a Master's Degree in Business from the University of Hartford and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut.

On January 27, 1952, Bill married Jo Ann Hendricks in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Jo Ann and Bill recently celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary.

Although Bill spent a few years working in the Atomic Energy Field, most of his career was devoted to Land Development and Construction. He was President and CEO of the F.I.P. Corporation, based in Cheshire, Connecticut. His company built many Industrial Parks devoted to beautiful surroundings and award winning environmental correctness.

Bill also worked hard for the Northeastern Industrial Development Association, becoming its President and was elected "Man of the Year" in 1982.

After moving to Florida, Bill and Jo Ann supported a number of charities. They joined All Saints Episcopal Church, Ft. Lauderdale. Bill assisted Jo Ann in her efforts working for the Cooperative Feeding Program (Now Life Net 4 Families).

For several years Bill volunteered at "Service Corps of Retired Executives". He also became an avid golfer and belonged to the Fort Lauderdale Country Club in Plantation, Florida. He was also determined to travel all over the world and was able to do most of it!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wilma Williams. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, his nephews, Michael (Tamera) Williams of Ft. Lauderdale and Lee Williams of Pacific Palisades, California.

There will be a Memorial Service in Bill's honor at Ft. Lauderdale Country Club on Sunday, August 5th at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Tree of Life at Ft. Lauderdale C.C., 415 Country Club Cir., Plantation, Florida, 33317.