Gary O. Richards

Gary Otis Richards, 80, of Bad Axe, formerly of Charlotte, passed away Monday, April 29, 2019 due to heart complications. He was born August 16, 1938 in South Bend, Ind. to the late Walter and Hazel (Guthrie) Richards. He married Mary Kay Richards on February 21, 1976 in Charlotte. Gary was a 1957 graduate of Holt High School. He worked in various jobs, including bartender and factory work. He was a former member of Teamster, Charlotte Eagles, and the Charlotte Moose. Gary enjoyed racing cars in his younger years and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He was a huge Michigan State fan. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family, especially when he spent time with his daughters and grandsons. Gary cherished time spent with his wife, Mary Kay, the love of his life.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Kay Richards of Bad Axe, formerly of Charlotte; two daughters, Valerie (Mark) Kneffel of Ubly, and Jennifer Gilmore of Phoenix, Ariz.; two grandsons, Ja’Coby Gilmore of Phoenix, and Otis Kneffel of Ubly; sister, Nancy (Ted) Kingsley of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Barbara George of Greenville, N.C.; nephews and nieces, Gary and Brinda Ridenour of Charlotte, Troy Ridenour of Ft. Myers, Fla., Jody Root of Charlotte, Dawn and Jeff Wendorf of Charlotte, Monica Murray of Lansing, Jeremy and Amy Nierecberger of Charlotte, Timothy Clark of Windermere, Fla., Joanna and Marcus Waller of Greenville, N.C., Nicholas and Angela George of Encinitas, Calif., and Christopher and Daryl George of Northvale, N.J.

A memorial service for Gary will be held June 1, 2019, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Charlotte Eagles. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice.