Emanuel Hezekiah Richards Jr.

Life’s Reflections Emanuel Hezekiah Richards Jr., was born on December 3, 1936 in Charlotte North Carolina to the late Emanuel Hezekiah Richards Sr. and Elizabeth Gill Richards-Robertson. Emanuel died peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2017 with his wife and family by his side at Carolinas Medical Center in Concord NC. Emanuel was affectionately known by family and friends as “Junior”. He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System and graduated from Secord Ward High School. Upon graduation, Emanuel enlisted and honorably served in the United States Navy. He later relocated to New York City where he attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he received his degree. While in New York, he met and married the love of his life Gloria Woods. Emanuel joined Trinity United Methodist Church. Upon relocating back to Charlotte, he became an active member of Simpson-Gillespie UMC. He held various employment positions in New York: Kollsman Instrument Corp, Substances Rehabilitation Services, New York State Department of Corrections and the U.S. Postal Services, which offered him the opportunity to relocate back to Charlotte, N.C. where he accepted the challenge as Post Master at Mount Mourne, N.C. He retired from the Postal Service December 2010. Emanuel served the community volunteering in many roles; Charlotte Community building task forces, H.E.L.P (Helping Empower Local People), Drug Education Center Inc., Friendship Trays, Vice Chairmen of Simpson-Gillespie UMC Community Outreach Program, Ombusmen for NANBPW Inc. and Board of Directors of the Hornets’ Nest Boy Scouts. He loved his sports. He was a supportive season ticket holder of The Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. When Emanuel needed to gain peace of mind or needed to think, you could find him in his yard where he would meticulously design his lawn. He was awarded “lawn of the month” frequently and proudly. Emanuel was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel Hezekiah Richards Sr., and Elizabeth Gill Richards Robertson, sisters Adlene Grier and Dorothy Mae Graham and a brother Jilson Richards. Leaving behind with broken hearts and fond memories are his wife of 47 years, Gloria Richards, his son Emanuel Tyrone Richards (mother Maddie, decreased) of Greensboro, NC and his daughter Gia Yvette Byre (Kevin) of Charlotte, NC, four sisters, Carrie E. Grier, Mary L. Shivers, Alberta Davis and Brenda A. Richards all of Charlotte, NC, one brother, Jack N. Richards (Barbara) of Charlotte, NC. Seven grandchildren; Ronisha, Asyia, Aaliyah, Gabriells, Kayla, Kamryn and Kol. Five Great Grandchildren; Dallas, Michaela, Isaiah, Iyana and Imani and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Emanuel Hezekiah Richards Jr.

December 3, 1936 - May 18, 2017