Bill “Joe” Junior Richards, 82, of Lincolnton, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, with his devoted wife and loving family by his side, after a long and private battle with advanced cancer.
Born June 5, 1943, in Lincoln County, Joe was the son of the late Muriel Franklin “Bill” Richards and Beulah Mae Richards.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harry “Whitie” Richards; his sister, Jeanettie Richards Canipe; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Rudisill.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Kennedy Richards; sisters, Zettie Rudisill and Inez Rudisill (husband Buster); daughters, Susan Richards, Donna Richards, and Nancy Ball (husband Charlie); grandchildren, Christopher Nash (wife Sara), Ronnie Beard (wife Savannah), Brittany Beard, and Jamaica Hayes; great-grandchildren, Marley, Avery, Grayson, Abigail, Brinleigh, Kaiden, and Lane; numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; and his faithful pups, Daisy and Sally.
To all who knew him, he was simply “Joe.” He loved his wife, Kathy, and their 62 years of marriage were built on love and perseverance. Joe wasn’t a perfect man, and he never claimed to be — but he was real, honest, and true to the core. His word meant something, and his love for his family ran deep. A handyman and “jack of all trades,” Joe could fix almost anything. He loved being outdoors — from riding horseback and driving a horse-and-buggy in his younger years, to cruising in his red ’61 Starliner Galaxie, and later his scooter. Life had its challenges, but finding faith in God gave him peace. He faced his illness quietly, with strength and determination, never letting it define who he was. His lively, down-to-earth spirit left a mark on everyone who knew him. 
Joe’s life wasn’t perfect, and he could be rough around the edges, but he was real. He worked hard, loved in his own way, and stood by the people who mattered to him. He will be missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who truly knew him.
Graveside service will be held on August 23, 2025 at 1:00pm at Maiden Municipal Cemetery. Pastor Bud Painter will officiate.
My prayers for the family