Gerald Louis Richards

ROCKY MOUNT – Gerald Louis (Gerry) Richards passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023, at the age of 86 years. Born on July 23, 1936, in Kewanee, Illinois, Gerry was the son of George W. and Irene O’Grady Richards. Gerry’s beloved wife of 62 years, Carol, preceded him in death on November 6, 2019. Gerry and Carol leave behind a legacy of love and a devoted family.

Many of Gerry’s blessings began in Kewanee. There, from an early age, he learned the values of humility and treating people well and applied those lessons throughout his life. His parents, who owned Richards’ Dairy, instilled in Gerry the importance of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and fostered his Christian faith. In the sixth grade, he began his life-long passion for the game of golf. Several years later, Carol, a beautiful, vivacious classmate caught his eye, and Gerry remained steadfastly in love with her until the moment of his death. It was also in Kewanee where Gerry began his career in the fast-food industry with a hometown restaurant chain, which then brought him to Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1979. Gerry and Carol quickly connected with the community, where they made many dear friends.

After graduating from Kewanee High School in 1954, Gerry attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958. Gerry and Carol married on July 5,1958, and began welcoming their children the following year. Gerry worked briefly in Chicago for Procter & Gamble before entering a partnership in the family dairy. In 1968, Gerry received the opportunity to join Sandy’s Drive-in Restaurants, which was later purchased by Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. Gerry began his career as a store manager in Topeka, Kansas, but quickly rose through the ranks to eventually serve as Executive Vice President of Restaurant Operations at the home office in Rocky Mount. He was instrumental in the growth of the corporation over his career. Gerry deeply appreciated everyone in the Hardee’s family and loved every day of his employment with the company. Through his work, he enjoyed many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including attending Super Bowls, the Indianapolis 500, and NCAA basketball championship games. Gerry also cherished countless rounds of golf with “The Grumps” at Benvenue Country Club. He could recall every stroke made and dollar taken, somehow overlooking any dollar given. Over the years, he and his friends played at many esteemed courses, with the highlight at St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Scotland. Gerry made the most birdies that week and never let that feat be forgotten.

In addition to Carol, Gerry was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Richards Holscher (Herman). Gerry and Carol are survived by their children, Julie Johnston (James) of Wilmington, Susan Rosenthal (Michael) of Raleigh, Eric Richards (Nancy) of Roanoke, and Gretchen Treman (Brad Williams) of Wilmington. “Papa” was adored by eight grandchildren, Kip, Bennett, Caroline, Emma, Dylan, Hannah, Logan, and Anna, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry was grateful for the love and support of his wife’s sister and husband, Patricia and Edwin Peterson, and her brother and his wife Charles (deceased) and Gayle Fleming.

Gerry lived a blessed life. He was a devoted husband, family man, and friend. Gerry relished every bite of food Carol prepared and an occasional glass of scotch. He loved sitting on the backyard deck listening to the birds, pointing out each azalea, hydrangea, and flower he planted, recalling years of Easter egg hunts and picnics, and asking how everyone was doing. He loved their second home in St. Augustine, Florida, for the beautiful wide beaches, wonderful restaurants, and many friendships. For over thirty years, Gerry’s entire family gathered there the week of his birthday to celebrate his birthday and being together. Carol neither shared the cost of those trips which they covered entirely, nor did he inquire. Their value was immeasurable, and the memories will never be forgotten. Gerry had the most positive outlook on life, never complained, and was a proud American. He talked incessantly, but also listened. He teased playfully (something Carol, who was brilliant, never seemed to see coming), but could take a joke. Most importantly, he loved unconditionally. Gerry was loved infinitely in return and will be deeply missed for his unwavering joy, generosity, and sense of humor.

May he rest in peace knowing he and Carol will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Gerry’s life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804, with Father Tim Meares officiating. The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Following the graveside service, the family welcomes friends to a reception at Benvenue Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Gerry Richards to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 or the charity of your choice.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.