Karl Antonio Richards Sr.

Kingston, Jamaica, was where the journey began for a remarkable man, Karl Antonio Richards Sr., who was born on March 9, 1958, to the late Harold Richards and Alma Richards.

At the age of ten, Karl moved with his mother to Queens, New York, where he began a life filled with determination, achievement, faith, family, and service to others.

Karl received his early education at Sacred Heart, a Catholic elementary school, before attending Brooklyn Technical High School, where he distinguished himself academically, ranking second in scholastics in New York City. He continued his education at Long Island University Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, fulfilling his beloved mother’s wish that he become a pharmacist.

While working at Bussenchutt Pharmacy, Karl met the love of his life, Alisha Williams. The two were united in marriage on June 16, 1984. Their union was blessed with two sons, Kenneth Alexander and Karl Antonio Jr.

Driven by his dreams and his passion for the pharmaceutical profession, Karl relocated his family to Tampa, Florida. He worked for a major pharmaceutical company while continuing to pursue his ultimate goal of owning his own pharmacy. Through perseverance, hard work, and dedication, Karl achieved that dream.

Karl’s life was also transformed through his relationship with Christ. He was led to Bible Based Fellowship Church, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur T. Jones and later Pastor Anthony C. White. There, Karl faithfully served as a dedicated usher and grew in his walk with God.

Karl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man. He had a genuine love for people and cherished the simple joys of life. He was an avid sports fan, proudly supporting the New York Knicks, New York Yankees, and New York Giants. He also enjoyed music and, above all, loved God and his family.

Of all the roles he held throughout his life, one of Karl’s greatest joys was being “PopPop.” His grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, and the love he shared with them will forever remain a treasured part of his legacy.

Karl Antonio Richards Sr. leaves to cherish memories his beloved wife, Alisha Richards; his two sons, Kenneth Alexander Richards and Karl Antonio Richards Jr.; daughter-in-law, Tamara Monique; three granddaughters, Kalani, Kamryn, and Kaliyah; grandson, Karl Antonio III; godson, James III; goddaughter, Tiara; cousins, Dawn, Clover, Margorie, Ken, Andy, Hoodly, Gee, Maureen, Pam, Yvette, Lenox, Clair, and Festus; father-in-law, Ivory Lee Williams; brother-in-law, Tracy Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Karl’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, faith, and dedication. His accomplishments were many, but his greatest legacy will be the love he gave to his family, the lives he touched, and the memories he created.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit, love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

May his memory be eternal, and may he rest peacefully in the loving arms of God. 

Visitation will be held at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, US, on October 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Bible Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624, US, on October 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 12609 Memorial Dr, Trinity, FL 34655, US, on October 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm.

To assist with your travel arrangements for the upcoming services for Karl Antonio Richards Sr., we have recommended the following hotel accommodations for your convenience:

-Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Northwest/Veterans Expressway: 12730 Citrus Park Ln, Tampa, FL 33625 - (813) 920-2011. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tpanw-courtyard-tampa-northwest-veterans-expressway/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

-WoodSpring Suites Tampa Airport North Veterans Expressway: 9310 Anderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33634 - (813) 418-6782. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tpavehx-hampton-tampa-veterans-expwy-airport-north/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-TPAVEHXExtended%20Stay%20Hotel%20in%20Tampa,%20FL%20|%20WoodSpring%20Suites%20Tampa%20Airport%20North%20Veterans%20Expressway

-Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expwy (Airport North): 5628 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634 - (813) 901-5900. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tpavehx-hampton-tampa-veterans-expwy-airport-north/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-TPAVEHX