Robert “Ray” Raymond Richards, 69, of Richardson, TX, passed away on September 8, 2023.

Ray was born on September 9, 1953, in Dallas, TX the only child of Hardy and Bobbie Richards. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1972. He was a member of the debate team, Latin Club and, most proudly, was a member of the marching band known in those years as “The Most Televised Band in the Land”. The Bryan Adams marching band and Drill Team were the first DISD groups allowed to perform at half time at Dallas Cowboys’ games. Highlights included performances at the Cotton Bowl, the Super Dome in New Orleans, the Astrodome in Houston and several parades and many other appearances.

After high school, Ray attended the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Over his lifetime, he lived in both Little Elm, TX and Dallas, TX. While in Little Elm, he served on the City Council for several years. Ray worked at Capital Bank and Overhead Door Corp in the Credit Departments, in the hospitality industry for a time and finally, as a project manager for Texas Fire and Safety until he retired.

In his younger years and on into his teen years, Ray was an avid Boy Scout member, attending jamborees and many other activities with his father, one of the scout leaders. He enjoyed basketball with his friends and worked through high school at the local Pizza Inn.

Ray married Jan Richardson of Dallas in 1977. Together they enjoyed water sports, especially sailing on the local lakes as well as in the Caribbean. He earned a U.S. Coast Guard certification for passenger vessels and used his skills as captain on sailing yacht adventures in the British Virgin Islands and other ports of call in the West Indies. Ray also enjoyed SCUBA diving during the sailing adventures.

His sons, Eric (1983) and Chad (1987) were his Pride and Joy. He coached both boys in soccer, baseball, football and basketball in their younger years. As the boys progressed into higher level sports, higher academics and many career and personal achievements, he remained an avid supporter. He was very proud of the outstanding men they have become.

Ray is survived by his son Eric Richards, his wife, Stacey, their children, Easton and Ramsey, his son Chad, his wife, Katelyn, their children, Emma Kate, Ellie, and Lane, his ex-wife, Jan, and several cousins and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 18, 2023, at 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Richardson, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans or your favorite Veteran’s organization. Wounded Warrior Project Disabled American Veterans