Dear Charlene,
I was unaware until after my mother's death at ACC that Mr. Richards was a relative by marriage.  You and my father, Herbert Ruark, were first cousins.  I knew Aunt Lillie Mae's family and I recall meeting Uncle Lenny and Aunt Ann Eliza, but my connections through my grandfather were limited.  I live in Alexandria, VA, but I visited the ACC periodically and wish I had known we had a relative there.  My Aunt Carleen showed me the obituary in the Athens paper. She and I both would have liked to attend the funeral, but it was a day after Mother's, and there were still people coming and going and things that we needed to tend to.  That was a sad day for the staff at ACC as well as for a lot of Ruarks.  I'm sending a (not very good)picture of myself and my son, who is named David Emory.  The Emory is for his great-grandfather and your uncle.  I'm sorry to be so late sending this, but my thoughts are with you. Mother and Mr. Richards are at peace and at rest now.
Elizabeth Ruark Hoefer

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Charlene,Randy,Bart  Hugh and I will always remember and cherish all the times we spent with Tommy and Charlene beginning with our first date together and extending for more than 65 years. Tommy's passing leaves a void in our friendship but the memories will continue.  We send our condolences to all of you and want you to know that we loved Tommy as we do you.
Peggy & Hugh Hale   Athens

I have the fondest memories of Uncle Tommy.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all~

Charlene, Randy and Bart, you were wonderful neighbors and friends and I have many happy memories of Tommy and the times we spent together. My thought and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Lynn Nicholson Kinley

Tommy and I, along with other childhood
buddies, enjoyed playing together.  I
was his next door neigbor for a number
of years.  Sorry to hear about his
death.  My prayers are with the family.
Your childhood friend, Bobby Barrett

CHARLENE AND CHILDERN, YOU HAVE OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY. MILTON AND I LOVED TOMMY VERY MUCH, AS YOU WELL KNOW HE AND MILTON ALWAYS CARED FOR EACH OTHER. MILTON SAID THIS MORNING 'HE WAS A FINE MAN AND A GOOD FRIEND. WE WILL TRY TO SEE YOU TOMORROW NIGHT OR SUNDAY. IF MILTON IS UP TO MAKING THE TRIP. PLEASE LET ME HERE FROM YOU  SOON.  WITH OUR LOVE. SINCERELY, BETTY RAMPEY

Our very deepest condolences to the Richards family.  We were very saddened when Tommy retired and our insurance was turned over to another agent.  Tommy was the best agent anyone could ask for.  Just remember, he's no longer suffering and you will meet again someday.

We are very sorry for your loss.  Tommy was a wonderful person.  I enjoyed knowing him while I was employed with Mike Dekle in the 90's.  Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Lisa and Mike Nash

Charlene and family, My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  May God comfort you.

My very deepest condolences to the entire Richards family. We all grew up together as close friends and neighbors and his impact on my life was deep and lasting.

Charlene, Randy and Bart, my deepest heart felt sympathies are with you. Tommy was a good husband and a good father. Hang on to the good memories.  I love each and everyone of you. 
Love,
Karen Mashburn Kilgore

Tommy was always a bright and cheerful person.  He helped keep my attitude right!  It was my priviledge to work with Tommy for many years at State Farm Insurance.  I cherish the memories he left as a true friend.  My deepest sympathy to Charlene, Randy, and Bart and their families.

Charlie Worley, State Farm Insurance

Charlene,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Randy and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  The pictures show what a sport he was!  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.  Lori Brightwell Dillard

I am deeply saddened to learn of Tommy's death.  He was a friend and will be greatly missed. What a joy to have known him and be his neighbor for many years.
Love to the entire family.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.  Remember the good times, they will help get you through the tough times.

Charlene, Sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy.  The time we had with him was very memorable. With deepest sympathy, Cheryl Dean, Athens Community Council on Aging, Adult Day Health.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.


Although our hearts are heavy, we are so grateful for loving memories of the time we all shared through the years.

OBITUARY

Thomas Edward (Tommy) Richards

February 26, 1932 – January 17, 2011

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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