Therman Lee Richards, 90, of Blacksburg, slipped away into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Floyd County on June 24, 1930, to the late Mauyer and Ricie Vaden Altizer Richards. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Lee Masson; and a brother, Mauyer Denton Richards.
He was a longtime, faithful member of Blacksburg Baptist Church. T retired as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Army; he began his military career as a U.S. Marine. He later joined the Maryland National Guard where he was commissioned.
Upon retirement, he earned his masters degree from Florida Institute of Technology and later entered Atlanta Law School and completed his Juris Doctorate. He also studied theology at Columbia Theological Seminary.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mette Richards, who enjoyed every adventure that he took her on; children Patricia Shumard (Al), David F. Richards, and Mary Joyce Smith (Roland); grandchildren Alicia Moser (Wade), Michael Masson, Sandra Legge, and Corey Masson (Leslie).
A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Blacksburg Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy McDearis and the Rev. Todd Millsaps officiating. Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
