Obituary of Thomas Earl Richards

Thomas Earl Richards, age 63, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at University Hospital. 

Tom, as he was affectionately known, was born August 3, 1957 in Isola, Mississippi to the late Cecil and Madis Richards. He had been a resident of Aiken for the past thirty years. He was employed in Project Management Controls with SRNS. He took pride in his work and was well respected throughout his career for his knowledge and experience.   

Tom came from a farming family and always enjoyed being outside working on a project or in his garden. He loved his John Deere Tractor named “Lucille.” His nickname was “Farmer Green Jeans.” He had a passion for landscape photography and traveling. Key West, Florida was like his other home. He loved “tinkering” around and his beloved dogs, Sadie and Savannah. Tom was a very giving person and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Tom Shroads. 

Survivors include his beloved wife, Lori Richards; his son, Jeremy Richards (Megan), Charlotte, NC; a step-son, Daniel Davenport, Aiken, SC; two grandchildren, Lane and Kyler Davenport; a sister, Dorothy Shroads; four brothers, Clinton Richards (Susan), Donald Richards (Kathy), Terry Richards (Judy), and Troy Richards (Debbie),  an aunt, Dorothy Sue Richards; his mother-in-law, Irene Novotny; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and cousins.  

The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2021 at George Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in The George Funeral Chapel. Pastor Thomas Shroads, nephew of the deceased, will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Southlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements. 

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com