Obituary of Ronnie Richards

August 3, 1947 – January 18, 2019

Ronald Claiborne Richards (“Ronnie”), lifetime resident of Brownsville, Tennessee, died peacefully Friday, January 18, 2019, in his home surrounded by his loving wife and children.  He was the son of the late Frank Acklen Richards and Laura English Richards and brother of the late Lynne Richards Waddell.  Ronnie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Estes Richards, and children, Ronald Claiborne Richards, Jr. (Amy), Boyd Frank Richards (Josh), Abby Richards Nichols and Megan Richards Wilson (Clay), and his beloved nine grandchildren, Claiborne, Kennedy and James Richards, Molly, Rich and Sadie Nichols, and Carter, Lucy and Jane Wilson.

Ronnie was deeply loved by his family, friends, and all those who knew him.  He had a zest for life, a contagious energy, a love for new adventures, and an ability to make everyone around him feel like they were his very best friend.  A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, Ronnie shared his lifelong love of music with his church family as organist.  Ronnie’s career was spent as President of Richards Insurance Agency, founder of Richards Cummins Real Estate, and most recently with Builders Mutual Insurance Company.  One of Brownsville’s most ardent community supporters, he was a longtime board member of the Brownsville Arts Council where he sought to foster a love of the arts within his community.  Ronnie was former President of the Rotary Club of Brownsville, Elder at First Presbyterian Church, and board member of First State Bank.  Of all of his titles, he loved husband, father and “Pops” the most.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 109 West College Street, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.  Visitation with his family will begin at 9:30am followed by the service at 11:30am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brownsville Arts Council for the restoration of College Hill Theater, c/o INSOUTH Bank, P.O. Box 879, Brownsville, TN 38012.  

Lea & Simmons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.