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Clarence Richards Obituary
Jackson
Clarence Richards, 69, a longtime Jackson resident, died June 26 at St. Dominic Hospital. Born in Mississippi, Clarence moved to Chicago as a child. Upon high school graduation, he served in the US Army primarily as a medic in Germany. After completing his military service, Clarence joined IBM and retired as a manager after 34 years.
Clarence was generous with his time and energy. For 20 years, Clarence was a board member and mentor in the Jackson Public Schools' Adopt-A-School Program. He also taught youth groups at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. In addition to his church Clarence dearly loved and was passionate about Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area. On most Saturdays for the past 25 years, Clarence could be found at a Habitat build, so, most who worked on a Habitat site worked with Clarence. He could do it all but he loved sharing his carpentry skills and taught thousands of volunteers. In addition to building houses, Clarence generously gave his time as an active board member serving on multiple board committees for decades. In 2012, to recognize his unequaled involvement, Clarence was named a HFHMCA life-time board member.
Clarence Richards was known as an individual filled with kindness and joy. He had a strong commitment to helping others step out of poverty. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 655 Beasley Road, services follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Autumn Woods Cemetery on W. Northside Dr.
Collins Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Richards
Dennis Meek
July 8, 2015
For a couple of years back in the 90's I spent a lot of Saturdays finding the Habitat house that Clarence was working on and join him there. He was a wonderful man and a cheerful servant. He made the world a much better place.
Laverne Stewart
July 8, 2015
Clarence and I worked together at IBM. Wonderful man and true friend. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Joe Collum
July 8, 2015
A great friend and fellow IBM worker. Attended his funeral yesterday and heard how so many people loved Clarence. Great friend and co-worker!
Chris and Geralyn Warfield
July 7, 2015
Clarence's enthusiasm, tireless dedication, infectious laugh and amazing spirit will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathies to family, friends, colleagues and community.
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Sidney Smith
July 6, 2015
Clarence was a good friend and a great Manager for me at IBM. He was always very supportive and a fantastic counselor with wonderful advice. He was most helpful in my career with IBM. Clarence made our territory meetings fun and entertaining with his very good sence of humor. My daughter grew up and knew Clarence as Uncle Huggy Bear and gave him big hugs every time she saw him. Clarence was a great Christian man and he did much for mankind. Even after he retired I would always still call him Boss. He will be sorely missed. We will see you one day in Heaven Brother. I had several managers at IBM and Clarence was the best. There were none better.
Earnest Hart
July 6, 2015
I serve on the Habitat for Humanity board of directors with Clarence. He was a valuable board member and will certainly be missed on the build sites. A job well done, Clarence. Rest in peace.
Patricia Jenkins
July 6, 2015
Clarence was a great friend and a joy to work with at IBM. He was one of the kindest men I ever got to know.
July 6, 2015
I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Ken Saterfiel
July 5, 2015
Clarence was a good friend and co-worker at IBM. So sorry about his passing.
E.David Cox
July 5, 2015
I rejoice in Clarence's memory for be a Lion of Habitat for Humanity. His influence and dedication improve many lives.
Joe Hendon
July 5, 2015
Rest is Peace, Clarence. Thank you for your friendship and support.
Rev. James Michael Culbreth
July 4, 2015
Gloria and I would like to express our sympathy to Clarence Richards'family and to the Aldersgate UMC family during this time of bereavement. Rev.J.Michael Culbreth, Speedwell UMC Savannah
Ricky Grice
July 4, 2015
I thank Clarence for the support and counsel over the years we worked together. He was both a friend and great to work with. He was a person who found humor in any situation. He was one of the greatest influences in my career at IBM and the world is a lesser place for his passing.
Carl Tudor
July 2, 2015
What a good and dear friend. Many fond memories while working together at IBM
Jerry Jackson
July 2, 2015
Clarence's friends at IBM are remembering him foundly and sharing your greif during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends
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Collins Funeral Home - Farish St.415 North Farish Street, Jackson, MS 39202
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