William "Bart" Barton Richards

Born February 24, 1940 in Wilmington, NC, he was the son of the late Sam and Margaret Richards. He graduated from Myers Park High School in 1958, where he was a member of the swim team. Bart furthered his education at the original UNCC, known then as Charlotte College. Years later he began his lifelong career selling real estate in the Greater Charlotte area.

The joy of Bart’s life was his family. He adored his wife, whom he nicknamed “Cash”. They just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in April. He was a devoted father of two, grandfather of four, and the great grandfather of six. He was lovingly known as “Big Daddy” to his little ones. Bart had many loves in his life. He loved every and all animals, flashy cars, baseball hats, and living on his Ranch with his beloved wife. He also enjoyed hunting with his buddies and he displayed many of his trophies on the wall in his den, much to Carolyn’s dislike. Again, he was the lover of all animals! He was the absolute BEST storyteller, including not so clean jokes. When Bart started telling a joke, you knew the punchline was coming because his beautiful eyes would start to squint. He loved to make people laugh, and that he did. One of his best stories to tell, is the MANY times he was told “Wow, you look like Kenny Rogers!”

Bart and Carolyn fulfilled their dream in 1989 by purchasing acreage in Waxhaw and moving to the country and building the Richards Ranch. They quickly adding 4 horses to their country family and Bart enjoyed riding 3 of these horses for many years in the fourth of July parade in downtown Waxhaw. Bart loved his little town and quickly became involved in the community. He and Carolyn joined the Wesley Chapel volunteer fire department, he as a firefighter then later transitioned to director of traffic and Carolyn as the financial officer. Both Bart and Carolyn are members of Union United Methodist Church of Waxhaw.

Bart always dreamt of owning a corvette, and at the age of 66 his dream came true. He and Carolyn traveled with other corvette owners and drove in numerous parades, usually with a beauty queen on the back. He and Carolyn were the members of two corvette clubs and he often displayed his “ride in joy” at the Metrolina Car Show.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Russell Richards, two children Angie Sawyer (Scott) and Kelly Richards; four beloved grandchildren, Melissa Sanders (Greg), Kaitlyn Tillman, Courtney Duncan, Cameron Duncan; six great grandchildren, Savannah, Aiden, Marley, Noah, Charlee, and Caroline; as well as his brother Chuck Richards (Pam) and sister Sara Cooper.

Our family would like to thank the incredible staff at White Oak Manor of Waxhaw for their continued compassion and loving care for Bart. In these hard times when he was unable to be with his family, they made an incredible difference in his ability to pass in peace.

In lieu of flowers of flowers, the family request memorials to Union United Methodist Church, 6315 Newtown Road, Waxhaw NC 28173 and to Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, Station 16 and 31, 315 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road, S, Waxhaw NC 28173.

Services will be held at McEwen Funeral Home - Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 with a Drop-In Visitation on Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 5 - 8 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 11 am for immediately family only.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.