Obituary of Lloyd Wilson Richards, Jr.

Lloyd Wilson Richards, Jr., 84, was born on September 18, 1941 in Bastrop, Louisiana, and went to meet his Savior on April 6, 2026. Known lovingly and affectionately as “Buddy” to all who knew him, he leaves a legacy of faith, love, and loyalty that will linger in each life he impacted throughout his time on earth. Buddy Richards retired from International Paper after 41 years of service, working his way up from the original Bastrop Mill, then the Louisiana Mill, until retiring as a superintendent on multiple paper machines for IP in the Bastrop location. His original dream of becoming a mechanic came to fruition throughout his life, and he was known as Mr. Fix-It to his family, neighborhood, and community. His kitchen always had something delicious on the stove, and his gumbo is unrivaled. An enthusiastic and intentional father and grandfather, his greatest joy was to be with his family - camping, fishing, working on a tractor, riding bikes, or just riding anything with wheels around the yard. As the family grew, his presence remained constant - a fixture at sporting events, piano recitals, dance competitions, the horse corral, or anything else the grands got involved in. His regular phone calls, voicemails, and text messages were a testament to the devotion he had for family. Buddy was also a friend to all, and always had wit and wisdom ready when it was needed most. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Sr. and Maybelle Richards and his sister Margie Richards Hinkie. Survivors include his wife of nearly 66 years, Shirley Chain Richards, and his children Kathy McCrary (Ronnie), Amy Johnston (Ricky), and Andy Richards (Deona), one sister, Gwen Swinson, along with six grandchildren Heather-Brooke Moore (Eric), Courtney Martin (Corey), Beau Johnston, Kelsea McCrary (Steven Keirsey), Devin Richards (Meredith), Gabby Tupper (Coty), and 11 great-grandchildren, along with a host of extended family members and close friends. Buddy has always been most proud of his faith in Jesus Christ. He and Shirley have served at Bethel Baptist Church for over six decades, where he was an ordained deacon and longtime Sunday School teacher. It is difficult to summarize a life so well-lived, whose greatest and most deserved reward was to meet Jesus after many years of servant leadership, with a humble heart and faithful spirit that was evident to all who met him. Buddy was a quiet and meek leader, one with great strength, dignity, and compassion. He emulated Christ in his everyday actions, his interaction with others, and he demonstrated what it means to truly walk with the Lord. To put it simply, his influence left everyone better than he found them. Lloyd Wilson Richards, Jr.’s life and transition to Heaven will be celebrated on Thursday April 9th at Bethel Baptist Church, with Bro. Tim Post officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers will be grandsons Beau Johnston, Devin Richards, and grandsons-in-law Corey Martin, Eric Moore, Coty Tupper, and Steven Keirsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Dana Simmons, Ashley Dickson, and the deacons of Bethel Baptist Church. The family would like to especially thank Passages Hospice and the staff at The Columns of Bastrop for their care and love.