Franklin Richards

September 3, 2014

Franklin James Richards, 68, of Johnson City passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at his residence. He was a native of Bristol, TN and had lived in Greeneville and Valdosta, GA and had recently moved to Johnson City. Mr. Richards retired from Pioneer Credit in Valdosta where he had worked in management for many years. He was a veteran having served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Mr. Richards was a loyal member of the Lake Park Church of God in Lake Park, GA. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. Mr. Richards was preceded in death by his foster parents Jim and Rose Laws. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Vanda "Lea" Barnett Richards of the home; a daughter, Betsy McTier and her husband, Frank of Valdosta; a son, Frank Richards Jr. and his wife, Dana also of Valdosta; two step-sons, Michael Wilson and his wife, Tracey and David Story all of Johnson City; two sisters, Helen Cox of Knoxville and Cleo Broyles and husband, Jerry of Chuckey; a brother, Ernest Richards and wife, Alice of Summerville, SC; four grandchildren, Lauren and Benjamin McTier and Noah and William Richards; eight step-grandchildren, Joshua and Emily Wilson, Kayla and Bailey Story, Gabriel and Xaden Story and Pandora and Trinity Robinson; a special niece, Kelli Grenti and husband, Mark of Chuckey; two nephews, David and Brian Broyles of Chuckey; his father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Louise Barnett of Johnson City; also a brother and sister-in-law, Terry Barnett and his wife, Carolyn of Johnson City; A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Richards will be conducted at 7:30 PM Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with the Pastor Terry Barnett officiating. Special music will be provided by Charlotte Cross and Dean Kilby. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6:00 PM until the service hour. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Faith Freewill Baptist Church, 824 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN 37604. Graveside services with Military Honors provided by the Boone Dam VFW Honor Guard Detail will be held in Mountain Home National Cemetery. Date will be announced. The family would like to offer special thanks to everyone at Lake Park Church of God in Lake Park, GA for the love and support they have shown. Visitation: Tuesday September 9 2014 - 6:00 to 7:30 PM Services: Tuesday 7:30 PM Interment: Mountain Home National CemeteryN