Herschel Lee Richard

Herschel Lee Richard was born on November 14, 1944 to the late Freddie Sadler and the late Mary Lou Richard.

Mr. Richard died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, from inuries sustained in a bicycling accident.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 701 Bert Road in Jackson.

Mr. Richard was reared by the late Mrs. Mag Howard and the late Mrs. Maggie Bell Cosby. He also enjoyed the loving care he received from his step-mother, the late Mrs. Claudie Sadler.

He married Sharron Beckham on October 14, 1989. He was previously married to the late Odessa Dudley and to this union two children were born: Cheryl LaTonya Richard and Herschel Darnell Richard.

He received his early childhood education from Carrie H. Taylor Elementary. Later, he graduated from the Jasper County Training School in 1964. He attended Albany State College for Auto Body, Paint, Repair and Maintenance.

Mr. Richard dedicated his life and became one of Jehovah’s witnesses on March 17, 1979. He enjoyed helping others learn about the Bible’s promise of everlasting life. Some of the things he found pleasure in doing was fishing, gardening and bike riding. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors, in addition to this children, include his wife and best friend, Sharron Richard; five grandchildren, Kedarius Richard, Ryan Simmons Richard, Ethan Richard, Nadia Boykin and Kayden Coffer; two brothers, Eddie Goolsby, and Steve Goolsby; and a sister, MaryAnn Rasheed.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Ann Beasley, and two brothers, David Roberts and Eugene Goolsby.

Cherishing his memories are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, friends, and workmates from Hercules and the Dairy Queen. His spiritual brothers and sisters in Jehovah’s loving and caring organization will miss him dearly but will have wonderful memories.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Monticello, was in charge of arrangements.