Melvin Richards

RICHARDS Melvin Earle, 83, passed away on November 12, 2010. Mel was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Samuel and Rae Richards and was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Emma Schanengold (Ernest) and brothers Isadore (Sylvia) and Harry Richards. Mel was survived by Marge Bradberry, his love of 17 years, her children and grandchildren, and his many nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

After graduating from high school, Mel enlisted and served in the Navy from 1944-1946. After WWII ended, Mel returned to Cincinnati and matriculated from the University of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy in 1952. Mel began his career as a pharmacist in Portsmouth, Ohio with Portsmouth Gallaher Drug Co., and after being acquired by Revco, was promoted to supervisor of all the lower Ohio Revco stores. Early in his career, Mel was promoted and transferred to Detroit as the Director of Operations for all Revco stores in the state of Michigan. Continuing in his corporate career, Mel was transferred by Revco in 1973 to open new stores for them in Jacksonville. Revco subsequently sold out to Eckerd Drugs at which time Mel moved to Albertson’s Pharmacy on Beach and University Blvd. where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Mel loved being a Pharmacist and enjoyed visiting and serving his customers over the many years.

After moving to Jacksonville, Mel lost his first wife, Janet, to cancer leaving no children. In 1993, Mel met and fell in love with Marge “Margie” Bradberry. Mel always wanted a family, and fortunately, Marge had a very large extended family including 13 sisters and brothers, four children; Ben Bradberry Jr., Nicole Bradberry Tenace (Gino), John Bradberry, and Jennifer Bradberry Spitler (John); and six grandchildren, Emily, Jack, and Mia (Spitler), Allison, Mitchell, and Olivia (Holland; father Mark Holland). In no time at all, Mel became a beloved member of the Bradberry-Bush family and was affectionately known as “Papa” and “Saint Melzie” because of his gentle nature, kindness, and love for others.

Mel led an active life and loved to travel, play tennis, dance, attend the opera, local symphony and Broadway shows, spend time with his family and friends, and more than anything, he loved spending time with “Margie.” For 17 years, he never left her side. Mel continued to play tennis weekly with his buddies at the Hidden Hills Country Club until his illness forced him to retire at 81. Mel was a member of Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity, 32nd Degree Masons, Sertoma Club, and Shriners, organizations dedicated to community and charitable works. Mel touched the lives of many people with his smile, quick wit, and good humor and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, December 3rd at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road N., Jacksonville, Florida 32225 (904)-641-9755 www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com. The family will receive guests between 10:00 and 11:00 am followed immediately by a service celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for Hospice of North Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. We are so thankful for these wonderful caregivers who made such a difference in the quality of Mel’s last few weeks. Pictures of Mel and the family may be viewed on CaringBridge.org/visit/melrichards.

Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home

850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32225

904-641-9755 fax~ 904-641-1755

www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.