Edward "Ed" Richards

Edward ""Ed"" A. Richards died suddenly April 12, 2012, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Born Jan. 28, 1943, in Gulfport, MS, he was a son of the late John Homer and Mamye Fairley Richards. He was also preceded in death by his son, Edward A. Richard, Jr., and his brother-in-law Douglas L. Bostwick. Survivors include his wife, Lynn Sanders Richards, his daughter Stephanie Jane Richards, her husband, Steve Henry, and their son Edward John Richards Henry, of Tullahoma, TN, and step-grandsons Will and Trever Henry. Ed has one sister, Judy R. Bostwick of Albuquerque, NM, and one brother John H. Richards, Jr., of Madison, MS, and his wife, Norma. He leaves four nieces and one nephew.
As a teenager, Ed began working for the Alamo Plaza Motel in Biloxi, MS, and continued through college. After graduation from Mississippi State University, where he enjoyed being a member and officer in the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, he joined the Mississippi Air National Guard. He married Lynn Sanders on June 18, 1967, in Drew, MS. In 1969 Ed accepted the position of general manager of the New Orleans Country Club and managed other country clubs in TX, MS, and TN, as a Certified Club Manager.
Ed was an active member in the Presbyterian Church wherever he lived, serving as a deacon and an elder. He initiated the ice cream ministry for the neighborhood surrounding First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, TN, to encourage families to attend church.
When Ed belonged to the Hendersonville, TN, Rotary Club, he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. His interest in antique vehicles led Ed to join the Appalachian Region AACA of Bristol, TN/VA, where he was serving as vice president. At the time of his death, he was teaching management and entrepreneurship at the Southeast Hospitality & Culinary College in Bristol, VA. He enjoyed his relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
Visitation will be 5 to 7:30 p.m., Mon., April 16, at Akard Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tues., April 17, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, TN. His committal service will be at 2 p.m., Fri., April 20, in the Coalville Cemetery at Biloxi, MS. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Ave., Bristol, TN, 37620 or to the Edward A. Richards Scholarship at the Southeast Hospitality and Culinary College, 100 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, VA 24201. Tributes may be shared with the family at www.riemannfamily.com.
Ed lived his life to the glory of God.