On November 25th, 2018, heaven gained a new angel, Robert (Bob) Clarence Richards.
Bob is survived by his wife Linda and two sons, Robert (Stacy) Richards and Randy (Debbie) Richards all of Spencer, WV and four grandchildren Cassie (Stephen Hoffman- fiancé), Chris, Josh and Sam Richards, three stepsons David (Carolyn), Michael (Lisa), and James (Tina) Gandee, 5 step grandchildren and many step great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters Betty (late Harry) Boggs and Zerelda (Delbert) Blosser of Spencer, WV.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children Betty Bowley Richards and sisters Wanda (Vernon) Bailey and Ermal (French) Cline.
Bob was born on July 13, 1933 in Gilmer County, WV to the late Clarence and Bernice Richards. He married Betty Bowley, his high school sweetheart, in 1953. After her passing in 1987, he remarried to Linda Miller Nichols, adding three sons to his loving family.
Bob was accomplished singer and musician of various instruments with his favorite being the banjo. He was a great storyteller and writer of songs. Bob was a leader of men and eager to teach and share his knowledge with others. As a Christian who loved gospel and bluegrass music, he was passionate about his faith and was a member of Spencer Tabernacle Church.
Bob enjoyed and took pride in his work. While his formal education was cut short, this did not stop him from being one of the smartest men you would ever meet. He could figure out how to do anything that was put in front of him. Some of his happiest times were spent tinkering in his welding shop or teaching his grandchildren how to pick an instrument.
Bob was active in his community; he served in the US Army as a Wheeled Vehicle mechanic with the 617th Battalion in Fort Sill Oklahoma, he was mayor of Reedy, helped found the Reedy Fire Station, and spearheaded the cleanup of Reedy Creek. He was a business man who owned and operated the first cable tv company in Spencer and established successful pipeline and oil and gas companies.
He was a great father and husband that will be remembered for his strength, hard work and devotion to his family and friends.
Friends may gather with the family on Saturday, December 1st from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home. A funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastors Danny Whited and Loran Price officiating. Burial will follow at the Spencer Memorial Cemetery.
A musical celebration of Bob's life will follow at Spencer COA. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship has been established for a music loving student who wishes to attend a vocational school to reach their potential. Donations can be made and mailed to RCHS Scholarship Foundation PO Box 311 Spencer, WV 25276. The family would like to send a special thank you to the CAMC CPICU staff and his devoted present and past caregivers for their love and dedication.
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