Willie James Richards

Willie “Red” James Richards was born in Navasota, Texas on October 7,1955 to Ferman and Alma Lee Richards. He was the last of 10 children. The family later relocated to Northwest Houston, settling within the Carverdale Community and that is where he grew up. He took care of his nieces and nephews, not being much older than they were, whenever needed. He was known to them as Uncle Reddie

His mother made sure they grew up in church, and they attended St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Smith. Willie attended Carverdale High School and was later transferred to Cy-Fair High School. He then graduated high school from Memorial Hall. After high school Willie joined the U.S. Air Force in 1974, where he served 2 years stationed in California.

Willie married, and in that union one son was born, MarQui Richards. Willie later relocated back to Houston, from California. He then married Beverly Johnson on Oct. 07,1993 and gained three daughters. He worked for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for many years, where his daughters would find him each payday Friday to collect their pay. The family is members of Carverdale Community Fellowship COGIC where they attended under the leadership of Superintendent Feddie L. Solomon until his death.

He is preceded in death by his mother Alma Richards, father Ferman Richards, six sisters, Viola, Evangeline, Gloria, Eliza, Lou, Mildred and three brothers, Jessie, Johnny, Frank and one daughter Tonisha LeFlore.

He leaves to cherish his memories wife Beverly, two daughters Shonte (Marrio), Tonya, two granddaughters, five grandsons, and two great granddaughters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Willie will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Carverdale Community COGIC, 10028 Algiers Rd, Houston, TX 77041. The funeral service will immediately follow from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 10028 Algiers Rd, Houston, TX 77041. The committal will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM at Paradise North Cemetery Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.