Donnell Richards, Sr., 71, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away peacefully Monday, April 4, 2016 in Port Charlotte.
Born February 17, 1945 in Apalachicola, Florida, to the Late John D. and Lula Mae (nee – Ramsey) Richards, Donnell, a veteran of Vietnam, serving with the U.S. Army, moved from Maryland to Charlotte Co. nearly 30 years ago. Growing up in Florida, Donnell worked as an Oysterman and as a Captain of a Shrimp boat. After returning to Florida, he began work constructing seawalls. He met and married Betty True of Port Charlotte in 2001, and was a member of Deep Creek Community Church in Punta Gorda, FL.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Betty True-Richards; son, Donnell “Donnie” Richards, Jr.; daughter, Melissa “Missy” Gilham; step-son, Nathan A. Wendt; brother, Johnny Richards; sisters, Penny Brown and Linda Cooper; grandchildren, Zakery Wendt, Brianne Gilham, Tara Lippincott, Aubrey Marten, Brittney Muncey, Johnathan Wendt, and Samantha Clyatt; and great grandchildren, Tristen, Luke and Tyrone.
A Memorial service celebrating Donnell’s life will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel, 215 Mary Street. Pastor Steve Glover of Deep Creek Community Church will officiate.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.