William C. Richards departed this life peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 18, 2023. Over the course of 92 years, William (Rich) lived a life that included the rewards of being a husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. Rich was second to the youngest born to the late Johnny and Rosa Willis Richards in Sumter, SC. During his early years, he was educated in the Sumter school system. Later, Rich attended Lincoln High School until joining the United States Army. As a U.S. Army soldier, Rich completed a six-year tour and served his country in the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from military duty, Rich attended Morris College in Sumter. It was there in Sumter that he met the love of his life, Dorothy L. Isaac. The two were inseparable and were united in matrimony on August 22, 1959. As the two began their lives together, they embarked on a new adventure and moved to Washington, D.C., which later became home. Their new life together in Washington, D.C. brought joy as they celebrated the births of their two sons, Carlos, and Darryl. While in Washington, D.C., Rich continued serving his country through employment within the U.S. Government. He joined the workforce as an archivist at the National Archives, where he retired after 31 years of service. Throughout his career, Rich was passionate about helping and encouraging others. He dedicated his time and efforts in serving as an Equal Employment Opportunity officer. One of his favorite sayings, “You represent more than yourself”, became a signature phrase that echoed throughout his lifetime. After retirement, Rich decided to return to his hometown of Sumter, S.C. to be closer to his mother. His love of God led him to rejoin and become a dedicated member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church. His love for God also manifested as he sang on the male choir, served on countless ministries, as well as volunteering with many community organizations. Although Rich was miles away from his children and their families, he continued to love them unconditionally. He always looked forward to holidays and family gatherings. Holidays to Rich meant the opportunity to return to Maryland to spend time with his sons and his grandchildren. He was no stranger to the highways and loved to get on the road in one of his beloved cars. His favorite was his 1984 Cadillac Seville. During his many trips back to Maryland over the Christmas holidays, Rich always looked forward to making memories and attending the Washington, D.C. Auto Show with his sons, Carlos and Darryl. Pop-Pop, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, was a loving man of God. He was an avid reader who enjoyed the outdoors and playing cards among many other hobbies. He also enjoyed attending college football games with his Football Club buddies. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to the park, swimming, fishing, bowling, movies, and many outdoor activities. Rich was preceded in death by his parents Johnny Richards and Rosa Willis Richards, brothers Willie, Wesley, and James Richards. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Isaac Richards of 64 years, sons Carlos Richards (Karen), Darryl Richards (Lisa), adopted son, Terry Walker (Lynn), sister, Rosa Lee Richards, devoted niece, Gail Bryant Allen, eight grandchildren; Valynn, Erynn, and Jordynn Richards, Anyra Perry (Chris) and Arianna Richards (daughter-in-love, Annette Richards); bonus grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kobe and Chloé Smith, two great-grandchildren, Blake and Brooklynn Perry, bonus great-grandchild Carter and a host of special family and friends. Viewing / Wake Services will be 10:00 a. m. – 11:00 a. m. Monday, December 4, 2023 follow by Celebration of Life services at 11:00 a. m., at Spirit of Faith Christian Center, 14107 Gibbons Church Road, Brandywine, Maryland, 20613 with Words of Life Pastor Rick Wooten, SOFCC Director. Funeral arrangements entrusted to K. J. Robinson Funeral Service, PA, 6503 Old Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, Maryland 20748 This is a courtesy announcement of Williams Funeral Home, Inc. 821 North Main Street, Sumter. SC 29150. Visit us on the Web – www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com
Condolence Messages
Leave Your Condolence
Please feel free to sign the Guest Register and forward your condolences to friends and family members who have suffered a loss. Please enter your words of remembrance in the space provided. You may select whether you wish for us to deliver them to the family, display them online or both. Please note that Williams Funeral Home, Inc. will review all messages before they are published on the world-wide web or forwarded to family members. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Thank-you.