Obituary of William F. Richards

A lifetime Bridgeton resident, he was born on August 11, 1923 to the late Rufus Richards and Mary Ware Richards and was the husband of the late Ethalinda Coder Richards. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Richards was Manager of Lumber Sales at the Smith and Richards Lumber Co. in Bridgeton for 40 years. Before his career there he had been employed with his families Studebaker automobile dealership in Bridgeton and had also been a truck driver transporting both produce and mail for the U.S. Post Office. He was a graduate of the Bridgeton High School Class of 1941 and during World War Two served his country in both the European and Pacific Theaters with the United States Merchant Marines. The patriarch of First Wesleyan Church, he gave his heart to the Lord in 1947 and along with his wife "Linda", taught Sunday school and had numerous social events for their Sunday school classes. He also demonstrated his desire to disciple others by driving countless miles transporting those who needed a ride to Sunday school and church. Bill served for 50 years on the church Local Board of Administration with half of those years being in the capacity of Vice-Chairman. A faithful member of Gideon's International he participated in distributing Bibles and speaking at surrounding local churches. A dedicated spiritual leader, he made a positive impact on many with his boldness to share the gospel and dedicated service. Surviving are his daughter, Linda R. Burton (Thomas) of Stow Creek Twp.; his sister, Elaine R. Gage (Raymond) of Upper Deerfield Twp.; three grandchildren, Melanie L. Garrison (Roger, Jr.) of Deerfield, Stephen T. Burton of Upper Deerfield Twp., Erin R. Hurff (Jason) of Stow Creek Twp. and two great-grandchildren, Landon C. Hurff and Asher L. Garrison. He was predeceased by two infant children. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 17th at 1 PM at First Wesleyan Church, 200 West Laurel Heights Drive, Upper Deerfield Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 11 AM to 1 PM prior to the services. Burial will take place at Fernwood Memorial Park in Hopewell Twp. Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Twp. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions in Mr. Richard's memory be made to the Gideon's, P.O. Box 476, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 . Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com