Obituary of Willie B. Richard

Willie Richard was one of eleven children born to the late Grady and Edna Richard. He was preceded in death by one son, Teryl Richard; and two siblings, Huey Richard and Glenda Washington. Willie was born in Strong, AR but was raised in a small rural community in Louisiana. After reaching adulthood, he migrated to Detroit. He soon started employment at Ford Motor Company and retired in June of 2002. Willie worked very hard both in and out of the plant and made many friends over the years. Away from Ford Motor Company, Willie pursued a career in construction. He was part owner of Three Brother's Construction Company. After several successful years at Three Brother's Construction, Willie sold his interest and started his own business, Richard's Construction Company, which he still owns.  Willie was a brother of the Masonic Temple, Hopewell Lodge #15 of Ecorse, MI and held the position as treasurer for several years.

In 1977 Willie met Bobbie Dotson Martin and her young son, Duane. Several months later, Willie and Bobbie were married and together they had one son, Teryl (deceased).Willie also has three children from his previous marriage; Sheryl, Kathy, and Benny.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories, a loving wife, Bobbie Richard; two daughters, Sheryl Richard and Kathy Williams; two sons, Benny Richard and Duane (Keisha) Martin; a special daughter-in-law, Fonda Richard; four sisters, Lessie Dyer, Mattie Talton, Ruby Washington and Regina Traylor; four brothers, Ellis (Brenda) Richard, Earl (Jean) Richard, James (Erma) Richard and Quincy Richard; four grandchildren, Courtney Williams, Antoine Barnett, Demetrius (Desiree) Richard and Rubye Richard; three great-grandchildren, Carter Richard, Demetrius Richard Jr, and Daniel Richard; one aunt, Julia Hicks, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two over protective dogs Teddy and Gidget.

Willie B. Richard, 83, of Elgin, passed away on September 15, 2019. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Serenity Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2019 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park  who is assisting the family.