Paul “Lanier” Richards

Paul “Lanier” Richards, age 89, of Cumming, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018. He was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church where he was the adult Sunday school teacher for 25 years. He was a Mason of Ducktown Lodge for 65 years and Past Worthy Grand Patron of the Georgia Eastern Star 2003-2004. Lanier was the former director of Cherokee EMS and former volunteer with the Fire Department at Holbrook Campground. He was involved in the youth softball league at Holbrook Campground. Lanier was a United States Navy Veteran from 1952 – 1954 serving on the USS Hancock. He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn P. Richards; parents, Willie and Ollie Thompson Richards; brothers, Walter Richards, Carter Richards; sister, Patricia Sewell.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie (Deb-o) and Rickey Spruill; sisters, Willie Mae (Jim) Warren, Patsy (Calvin) Puckett, Martha (Barry) Wilkerson; brothers, Buddy Richards, Raymond Richards, Gerral (Doris) Richards; sisters-in-law, Montaree Richards, Sandra Richards; very special friend, Penny Crothers and her family; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 22nd, at 2:00 pm at Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerral Richards, Rev. Bobby Padgett and Penny Crothers officiating.  Interment will follow in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon until hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Georgia Masonic Home, 1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon, GA 31211.

Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.