CARRSVILLE—Robert Gale Richards, 77, passed away peacefully with his family at his side May 23, 2014.

He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia,, to the late Eugene T. and Verna Richards Miller. Robert is also predeceased by his son, Ronald Graham Richards; brother Paul Eugene Richards; brothers-in-law, John D. Cooper and Alan L. Thier.

Robert retired as a Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy after serving over 20 years.

Robert worked for the Isle of Wight County School System in maintenance and HVAC.

He was a member of Western Branch Baptist Church, where he formerly taught the Men’s Sunday School Class and was a member of the Brotherhood. He also was a former Isle Of Wight Co. Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff and a member of the V.F.W. Robert was active in various capacities with youth t-ball through pony league baseball.

Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie A. Richards; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert G. Richards II and Betty Jean, Randall G. Richards and Becky, Lynda G. Richards and Rebecca R. Butler; four grandchildren, Crystalyn Richards, Grant Richards (Krystal), Ron Richards II, (Jenn) and Lindsey Starnes (Paul); five great-grandchildren, Davian Richards, Jordan Starnes, Hayden Richards, Rylan Richards and Tyler Starnes; sister, Jeanette Hudnall; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will take place on Thursday May 29, at 2 p.m. in Western Branch Baptist Church, 6952 Old Myrtle Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434, with the Rev. Micah Voight officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will take place Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Western Branch Baptist Church Building Fund for educational wing window replacement.

Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com