George Ben Richards

On April 27th, 2025, a bright light in our family returned to God, the everlasting light of the world.  George Ben Richards the first born son of Henry Wilson and Martha Alfred Richards was born August 4, 1951 in Columbia, Mississippi.  The following year, desiring a better place to raise their young family, the Richards relocated to Farrell, PA. George loved his hometown and flourished in the environment.

A rambunctious child, George loved the outdoors and sports.  Early on, he excelled in Little League Baseball and played basketball at the Farrell Carver Center.  In high school, he was a guard on Varsity Basketball team. He also lettered in track & field setting records in high and low hurdles.

A creative soul, he was known for his fashion sense and style gaining him the nickname Goodtime while in high school.  A 1970 graduate of FHS, he attended Bryant & Stratton College Boston Massachusetts majoring in fashion design. 
He returned to Farrell to work alongside his father at Richards Dry Cleaners, he learned the dry cleaning business and honed his “Mr Fix-it” skills. Building on these experiences, George built a career in Dry Cleaning and the construction trades in New Brunswick, Trenton, Baltimore, and New Orleans.

Baptized at a young age, he was an active member in Friendship Baptist Church’s BYF and Sunday school. These early teachings resonated throughout his life. While in Chicago George became a member of Bible Deliverance Temple.  There he was an active part of the Wednesday night bible study and the Men’s Fellowship which continued virtually even after he moved. George’s life was a living testimony and he shared the story of what God has done for him and can do for others. 

After a whirlwind courtship, on May 30, 2004, he married the love of his life Janice McHenry Mardis.  Their love united their families and he eagerly became “Papa George” to Janice’s children and the next generation.  To be closer to family, George and Janice moved from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL and then to Angola, IN.
He relished the opportunity to attend family sporting events and special occasions. He found great joy in hosting the “grands” during holidays and school breaks. George loved family, his siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. His keen wit, sense of humor and generous heart was a gift to anyone who knew him.  

He leaves to mourn the loss and celebrate his life his loving wife of 20 years Janice, children; Curtis (LaTasha) Mardis II, Jada (Walter) Peterson, Joi (Renie) Hughes and Vonce Johnson. Grandchildren; Lexie Mardis, Layla Mardis, Curtis Mardis III, Kennedy Peterson, Aria Hughes, Kendall Peterson, Kendrick George Hughes; and bonus children Xavier Maurice Moore and Louise (Kevin) Kornegay.
Bonus Grand Children; Leina McHenry, Ryan McHenry, Nathan McHenry, Naomi McHenry; a godson, William Vanderveer.  Siblings; Anna Richards, Dr. Kimberley Richards, Henry (Cheryl) Richards and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and special friends. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his eldest sister, Dorothy Richards; and cherished nephew, Kirky Richards.

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