Birth date: Feb 11, 1923 Death date: Mar 28, 2021
Roger Lee Richards of Batesville, Mississippi went peacefully home to be with his Savior on March 28th, 2021 at the age of 98. Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, he served in the US Naval Air Force during World War II. He attended M Read Obituary
I just found out that Bro. Richards passed away. I was planning a trip to Batesville this weekend to visit him. I called his number and someone else answered. I was bewildered when he did not answer. I did some research and discovered he had died. The last time I spoke to him was at the first of this year. I told him I was coming to see him and he told me I better hurry because he said “it is late in the fourth quarter for me”. I had the great blessing of serving under him at Merton Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis. I was in seminary at the time and Bro Richards took me under his wing and taught me everything I know today about preaching and pastoring. He was a great mentor, pastor, boss and friend. That was 29 years ago. I will miss my friend but I know he is resting in the care of his savior with his beautiful wife Betty. My prayers are with Gary, Allan and Jan and all of the family.
Thank you for sharing this! So many good memories. I grew up under Bro. Richards' ministry, saved Easter 1961 in the evening under his ministry. He baptized my brothers Louis and Steve that same evening. I remember how once a year Kenner would have a week long "revival". Bro. Richards would always bring in an evangelist and some were better than others. One year for what ever the reason he could not find someone to bring in, so he preached the "revival", the best we ever had! Many people said the same. Largest group that ever "went forward" that year ever. At age 14 I was called into ministry under his ministry. Two things I remember him saying, "Mark if you can do anything else than ministry and be happy, then do that"! Also in regards to preaching "If you can't say it in 25 minutes then you have no business preaching". Don't think I agree with him, some of my favorite preachers can go an hour and I am wishing for more.
My love and respect for the Scriptures found root in his preaching and teaching. I have one more story....Bro. Richards brought in a youth pastor in my teens, Carl Mays. Very cool, had had a radio hit as a rock star. I really liked him...but Bro. Richards was preaching/teaching on Revelations Wednesday night. In mass all the youth walked out to hear Bro. Richards. SORRY Carl!!!!
He baptized me when I was 10 years old. When I was a teenager as pastor of First Baptist Church Kenner he took the youth to summer camp. It is a memory I will never forget. I will also never forget his left hook. He enjoyed boxing with the boys. He also liked beating us in arm wrestling. I could beat him with my right arm, but he would get me with his left. He said it was cause he carried his Bible in his left hand.
Byron Nettles
What a wonderful life and legacy! I was honored to have Roger perform my wedding ceremony 38 years ago- he will be missed by all!
Thoughts & Prayers today & in the days to come for the family...Wonderful soul, taught so many people so so much...will definitely be missed by Pope Baptist Church's congregation...Greg & Mary Boyles
