Johnnie Ray Richards

GRANITE FALLS—Johnnie Ray Richards, 89, of Granite Falls, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Catawba Regional Hospice. He was born in Caldwell County on July 6, 1926 in Caldwell County to the late Henry Lee and Dollie Fletcher Richards.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 4 sisters and 1 brother. Ray was a member of Philadelphia Lutheran Church. He served in United States Air Force as a mechanic on the B29 bomber during the Korean Conflict, after that he retired from Shuford Mills after 40 years of services as a supervisor. He was also a member of American Legion Post 48.

He is survived by his wife Mavis Reid Richards of the home; his daughter Pam Lail and husband Jeff Lail of Hickory; granddaughter Monica B. Dillingham and husband James of Asheville, Jamie B. Childress and husband Cody of Pineville; grandson A.J. Lail of Hickory; great granddaughter Casey Dillingham, Kendra Dillingham both of Asheville, Arbor Childress of Pineville; great grandson Jayden Childress of Pineville. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 20115, from 10:00am to 10:45am at Philadelphia Lutheran Church.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11:00am at Philadelphia Lutheran Church with Pastor Terrell Long officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post 48. Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 52 Pinewood Road, granite Falls, NC 28630 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Online condolences may be left at www.hickoryfh.com The Richards Family is in the care of Hickory Funeral Home.