Ben Richards, 86, of South Pittsburg, TN, died Tuesday, May 17th at his home.

He was born June 27, 1929 in Dorothy, WV to Ira S. and Mable Mullens Richards, grew up in WV, joined the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. After being discharged from the Army he moved to Cleveland, Ohio to work at General Motors. He retired in 1983 and moved to Tennessee.

He was a member of Lou's Chapel United Methodist Church and he loved golf and gardening. Ben was also preceded in death by five siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ruby Payne Richards; his children, Rebecca Hilts of Mesa, AZ, Lindy (Mark) Lyons, of Hixson, TN, Alfreda (Donnie) Troy of Lookout Valley, TN, Renee Crabtree, of South Pittsburg, TN, Felicia (Dwayne) Coffelt, of Jasper, TN, seven grandsons, Zachery Richards, Tyler Hilts, Jamey (Roxanne) Troutman, Richard (Alicia) Troutman, Daniel (Elizabeth) Troutman, Andrew (Elizabeth) Crabtree, and Adam (Tina) Coffelt; granddaughter, Jessica (Buddy) West; thirteen great-grandchildren, Abigail, Libby, Anna Belle, Rachel, Gabby, Samuel, Luey, Michael, Trevor, Dayton, Jessie Jane and Maggie Mae and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 19th from 4-8 PM at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg.

Funeral services will be conducted from the South Pittsburg Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home on Friday, May 20th at 2:00 PM with Rev. Joe Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Gilliam Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.