Jerry Richards

Jerry Cecil Richards, 86, passed away Thursday March 14, 2024, in Jackson, TN surrounded by family.  Jerry spent the last few years taking care of his wife of nearly 65 years, as she succumbed to the effects of Dementia, all while dealing with the effects of his own heart issues.

Jerry was born in Dyersburg, TN on January 25, 1938, to his parents, Leroy and Louise Richards. He married his high school sweetheart, Ila Ruth (Cook) Richards of Dyersburg, TN, and would have celebrated their 65th anniversary a few weeks before her passing in 2023. Jerry served two years in the National Guard while in High School, and after graduating from Dyersburg High School, he served four years in the United States Air Force, specializing in Communications and was stationed in Kansas and Alaska. After his Honorable Discharge from the service, he pursued a career in Communications and Engineering with South Central Bell and eventually retired from BellSouth Telecommunications. He had a very successful post-retirement career as a Real Estate Agent, and founded Richards Footwear in Jackson, TN. Jerry served many years as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. He was also very involved in politics and served as an Alderman for the City of Dyersburg, TN. Jerry particularly loved playing golf and baseball and assisted teams for several years at Union University. He was an avid reader and wrote several books. He loved to travel and spend time with his family. He always put his family first to ensure they were provided for.

He is survived by his children, Tammy Ruth Richards Sylvia (Rick), Virginia Beach, VA, Jerry Marvin Richards, Jackson, TN, Timothy T. Richards (Ivy), Moscow, TN, grandchildren, Lindsey Huang (Stephen), Charlotte, NC, Jerry Meredith Richards (Briana), Jonesboro, AR, Kramer Mayberry (Hailey), Virginia Beach, VA, Soren Richards, Abigail Ruth Richards, Ian Richards, Josiah Richards, great-grandchildren, Owen Huang, Mackenzie Ruth Huang, Jerry Edward Richards, Wes Arthur Richards, brothers, Marvin (Diane) Richards, Dyersburg, TN, Jimmy (Vickie) Richards, Dyersburg, TN, Tommy Richards, Little Rock, AR, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Ila Ruth (Cook) Richards, his parents, Leroy and Louise Richards of Dyersburg, his brother James Richards, Dyersburg, TN.

Services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, immediately followed by the service at 1:00 pm. There will be a processional

to Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg, TN where the internment service will be held at 3:00 pm. 

The family wishes that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Jackson, TN or of Dyersburg, TN designated to Lotte Moon Missions.

Funeral services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home.  We are privileged and honored to serve the Richards family.  You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.