Mr. Percy C. Richards

RICHARDS, Mr. Percy C. - Age 82, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at his residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, January 22, 2018 at Grace Cathedral Community Church, 1709 Nebraska Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Kelly Richards, Host Pastor, Min. Marlyn Lowe officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Monday. Mr. Richards will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday. On the morning of January 13, 2018, Mr. Percy Charles Richards, Jr. went home to be with the Lord. He was born in rural Utica, Mississippi on September 26, 1935. His parents P.C. and Susie Richards were farmers who picked cotton for a living. Seeking better financial and social opportunities, Percy’s family migrated to Muskegon, Michigan. Growing up the eldest of eight children, Percy had many responsibilities. Early on, he developed a strong work ethic. Following the untimely death of his mother, he helped to raise his younger siblings. As a teenager in Muskegon, he worked on the Erickson’s Family celery farm. With his earnings he helped support his family. Percy attended the Muskegon Heights Schools, where he graduated from Muskegon Heights High School. Throughout his academic years in Muskegon he maintained perfect attendance. While at Muskegon Heights High School, he excelled participating in school sports. During the 1953 and 1954 seasons he was a champion basketball player and a winning high jumper on the track team. Percy credits his mother with instilling a passion for education and learning. She taught him that education “was the way to make it in life”. Following high school graduation, Percy moved to Flint, Michigan to create a better life for his family. With the hope of obtaining a job at General Motors, Percy stood in a long line just to get an application. However, applications were no longer being given out before getting to him. When told to come back tomorrow, Percy didn’t want to miss the opportunity. He slept on the steps outside, so he could be first in line. With ambition and determination, he was hired as an assembly worker. He set a goal to become a skilled trade employee. Entering the skilled trades training program, he completed his coursework at Mott Community College. Percy apprenticed as a Millwright where he enjoyed the classification of Millwright. Aspiring to become a Skilled Trades Supervisor, he took additional courses and in-service training. “Quick on his feet,” he advanced to becoming a Millwright Supervisor. After maintaining perfect attendance and receiving numerous awards for his professional accomplishments, Percy retired as a Skilled Trades Maintenance Supervisor with 50 years of employment at General Motors. Mr. Richards was a founding member and an elder of Grace Cathedral Community Church of Flint. He loved his church family. In 2013, the church congregation honored him. In appreciation of his service, the church’s fellowship hall bears his name. His son, Pastor Kelly Richards serves as the Senior Pastor along with his wife, First Lady Andrea Richards. Mr. Richards was actively involved in church activities and faithful as an enthusiastic choir member. In 2007, Mr. Richards was honored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, who named him as one of the Legendary Michigan High School Basketball Players. Percy was a member of Eureka Lodge No. 16 Free and Accepted Masons-Prince Hall Affiliation where he served as Worshipful Master in 1975. In 2015, he was inducted in the Muskegon Heights Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Percy C. Richards, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 41 years, Cynthia J. Richards; a blended family: 4 sons, Malcus (Pat) Richards, of Johns Creek, GA, Brian Richards of Ypsilanti, MI, Pastor Kelly (Andrea) Richards of Muskegon, MI and Percy C. Richards, III of Detroit, MI; 4 daughters, Eshe Faizah of Atlanta, GA, Kym (Anthony) Kelley of Antioch, CA, Lynette McKinney of Flint and Dana (Charles Jr.) Banks of Ann Arbor, MI; 21 grandchildren, Malcus II, Mario and Maya Richards, Dr. Nikisha Q. Richards, Kel and Aisha Richards, Jabri Faizah, Khari, Khyiah, and Nia Riviears; Juanita, Bakiya, Imani Taylor, Carl (Gianna) Taylor, Jr. and Angela (Ronald) Gant, Camryn, Alanah, Olivia and Troy Marie Banks, Amir Richards and Iz’Rell Jarrett; 6 great-grandchildren, Mario Jr. and Malachi Richards, Kamari Peterson; La’Nye Taylor, Khalie Gant and Donald Fisher IV; 4 sisters, Evelyn Smith of Flint, Mattie Fox of Cleveland, OH; Betty (David) Montgomery of Grand Rapids, MI; Alma (John) Pratt of Flint and Shirley (Robert) Madison of Norton Shores, MI; 2 brothers, Curie (Mary) Richards of Flint and Albert Richards of Muskegon, MI. Percy was well-loved, respected and had a special relationship with everyone he encountered; especially his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was known for giving loved ones special “pet” names. There is also a host of nieces including special nieces, Sabrina Harris, Sondrian Pratt RN, Myra Houston, Faith Bodnar and Roxie (Lionel) Lee; a host of nephews including special nephews, the Smith Brothers-Orlando, Reginald, Kelvin, Kenneth, and Darwin Sr., David Montgomery Jr., Tremelle Richards, Bradford and Doron Pratt; great nephew, Darwin Smith, Jr.; a host of other relatives and friends including special friends, Calvin and Stella Wright, Linda Harris, Helen Turner, Mike and Mariya Luna. Mr. Richards was preceded in death by his parents; Percy C. Richards, Sr. and Susie Ross Richards and his first wife, Helen A. Richards. The family would like to express special thanks to granddaughters, Imani Taylor, grandson, Kel Richards, Jr., Grace Cathedral Community Church family, Hurley Medical Center 5th Floor ICU Nurses, Aides and Staff.

Mr. Percy C. Richards

September 26, 1935 - January 13, 2018