William Bateman RiCharde

Bubba was born on December 3, 1926 in Sanford, FL. He graduated high school at the age of 18; enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served his country during WW II as Seaman 1st Class. After his honorable discharge in 1947, Bubba returned to his hometown and worked as a railroad Fireman until work slowed.

He moved to Texas for work as a trainman where he met his wife Bonnie. They moved back to Sanford and Bubba went to work as a Conductor with the CSX Railroad until he retired. In 1982 he and Bonnie moved to Oak Hill, FL to be on the water and fulfill one of his passions, fishing! Along the journey of life he always made friends and was very active. One of his pastime was working for the Penny Saver in Daytona Beach for 20+ years. He was an avid hunter, loved music, was an amazing writer of poetry, and, of course, loved to fish. But what he loved most of all was spending time with his family. Having lived an incredible life, Bubba created a legacy of love, laughter, joy, and faith.

He was preceded by his loving wife of 64 years, Bonnie June RiCharde; son, Michael Wayne RiCharde; brothers Sidney RiChard and Adrian RiChard and his parents: Sidney Mitchell Richard and Mable Thelma Richard.

Bubba was the patriarch of his family and loved by all. He is survived by his children, David RiCharde and his wife Maria, Elaine, wife of Michael RiCharde, Deborah RiCharde Benedict and her husband Bruce, Preston RiCharde; grandchildren, Sam RiCharde, Jeremy RiCharde and his wife Gloria, Lisa Fairbanks and her partner Chris, Lara Maxwell and her husband Scott, Cheryl Yates Wilkerson and her husband Chris, and Emily Shorrock and her husband John. He also was blessed with eight beautiful great grandchildren ranging from 5 to 19 years of age: Ashton, Lucas, Owen, Santiago, Donovan, Colton, Sage, and Charlie.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, January 20, 2023 at Baldwin Fairchild/Oaklawn Chapel Funeral Home, 5000 County Rd 46A Sanford, FL 32771.

A celebration of life service will be held on January 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM, Ceremony at gravesite will follow in Fairchild/Oaklawn Cemetery. After the service we ask you to join us for a reception at the Chapel.