Raymond Oral Richards

   Raymond Oral "Ray" Richards, 70, of 214 Pirate Cove Way, Hertford, NC died Thursday, September 1, 2016 in his home.

   Mr. Richards was born in Wood County, WV on September 3, 1945, and was the son of the late Robert Fulton and Mestil Lennit Kirby Richards.  A self-employed lawn maintenance and tree removal contractor, he was a member of Island Christian Fellowship where he served as a deacon and overseer.  He was a US Navy veteran.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Richards.

   Surviving are his wife of nearly 4 years, Brenda Richards; three daughters, Jeanette and Brittany, both of Virginia, and Tammy of Maryland; a son, Rob of Hertford; three step-daughters, Bethany, Caitlin, and Selena, all of Hertford; two step-sons, Brett of New York and Brandon of Hertford; a brother, Larry of West Virginia; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

   A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, and will be officiated by Pastor Ismael Melendez.  Friends may join the family in the Holiday Island Property Owners Association Clubhouse, 123 Clubhouse Road, Hertford, immediately following the service on Tuesday.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the building fund of Island Christian Fellowship, in care of Debra Blackburn, 149 Hunt Club Trail, Hertford, NC 27944.