John E. Richards Sr., 83, of Mossy Head, Fla., passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 26, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Lloyd and Mae Keller Richards.

John was born in Gaffney on Dec. 16, 1925. He had lived in Mossy Head since early 1980

when he moved there

from Jacksonville,

Fla., where he had spent much of his adult life. A Mason, he retired from the U.S. Navy and saw combat in World War II.

John is survived by two sons, Billy Dean Richards and wife, Cathy, of Gaffney and John Richards Jr. and wife, Sue, of Mossy Head, Fla.; two daughters, Carol Kuykendall of Virginia Beach, Va., and Vickie Johnson and husband, Johnny, of Freeport, Fla.; a brother, Fred Richards of Gaffney; and two sisters, Thelma Lawson of Gaffney and Katie Mae Hammett of Greenville. He was a loving father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.

John enjoyed talking with friends and neighbors at Lily's Cafe in Mossy Head. He spent many enjoyable hours there during the last few years of his life. He loved sharing his often retold stories with anyone who would listen. He always had a smile and seldom met a stranger.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. at Mossy Head First Baptist Church.

The family extends thanks to Covent Hospice for their kind, caring and patient service during the last days of John's life.

Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 1508 Cherokee Ave., Gaffney, SC 29340.

Arrangements by Crestview Memorial Funeral Home, Crestview, Fla.