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Graydon Mack Richards, 93, of Route 5 Glenville, died Thursday, July 26 at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg, WV,
following surgery. He was born January 22, 1908 at Chestnut Lick, Lockney, Gilmer County, the son of the late Norman
Eckes and Amanda Jane Meadows Richards.
He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Thelma Leah Yoak Richards of the home, four sons, Dr. Graydon Edward of
Marshall, Missouri, Eugene Carl of Ravenswood, WV, Harold Vandale of Spencer, WV and Herbert Charles of New Haven,
WV; two daughters, Mary Ann Bishop of Grandview, WV and Kathryn Lea Black of Buckhannon, WV; 14 grandchildren, 13
great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 5 brothers
and 2 sisters.
Except for 17 years in Roane County, he lived his entire life in Gilmer County. He worked in farming, timbering and on the
B&O Railroad before joining the United Fuel Gas Company of the Columbia Gas System from which he retired in 1972 with
24 years service. He had a strong attachment to the company and fellow employees. he never missed a retired employee picnic
and at the final one held in June 2000 was the oldest retiree present.
He was active in the Methodist Church and served long stints as Sunday School Superintendent at Cherry Valley Church in
Roane County and Otterbein Church in Gilmer County.
Mr. Richards was a member of the Area Agency on Aging and was a regular and active participant in Gilmer County Senior
Citizens activities. He supervised the making of the apple butter at the annual senior citizens camp for many years and was a
regular winner in the Senior Olympics with his wood carvings. He served on the Board of Directors of the Gilmer County
Senior Citizen for over 20 years and was a strong supporter of the Center.
Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Otterbein Methodist Church at Glenville. Reverends James Epling and
Roy Wiant will officiate. Interment will be in the Meadows Cemetery at Normantown, WV. Friends may call at Stump Funeral
Home, Arnoldsburg from 6-9 p.m. Saturday and from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gilmer County Senior Citizens Center, Glenville.
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