Donald Ray Richards

Donald Ray “Don” Richards, 77, of Concord, passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of Don’s life will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Epworth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Elizabeth Graves and the Rev. Billy Rintz officiating. The Richards family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

Don was born in Cabarrus County on May 29, 1940, to the late Margaret Callaway Dearmon.  A 1958 graduate of Winecoff High School and a 1965 graduate of Appalachian State University, he was a music teacher in the public schools for 34 years. He first taught in Jacksonville, North Carolina, before returning to his home county to teach and lead band for 12 years at Mt. Pleasant High School, 12 years at Northwest Cabarrus High School and 10 years at Rocky River Elementary. In addition, he shared his talent and love for music as a choir director for several churches and as a director and participant in community music events through the years.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Cook “Cookie” Richards of the home; a daughter, Shelley R. Deese; a son, Chris N. Richards (Lisa); three grandchildren, Cameron Deese (fiancé Mandy Anderson), Hannah E. Richards and Abby Elyse Richards.

The Richards family wishes to thank the staff and nurses of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, for their compassionate care to Don and his family in his last days.

Contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh St. Charlotte, NC 28204 or Epworth United Methodist Church Music Department, 1030 Burrage Rd NE, Concord, NC 28025