COLUMBUS — Willie Lee Richard, 83, died Feb. 7, 2025, in Columbus.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Stephen Chapel M.B. Church, with Joe L. Peoples officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion M.B. Church in Steens. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Friday, at Carter’s Funeral Services. Carter’s Funeral Services of Columbus is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Richard was born Dec. 17, 1941, in Columbus, to the late Dick Richard and Julia Richard. He was formerly employed by Airline Manufacturing and was a pastor of St. James M.B. Church. He was a member of Stephen Chapel M.B. Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frances Richard, Mary Taylor, Ethel Colister, Gladys Colister, Frank Richard and Otis Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Santia Richard; children, Tony Craddieth, Sylvester Craddieth, Darryl Craddieth and Paula Hill, all of Columbus, and Barbara Craddieth Russell of Douglasville, Georgia; siblings, Peggy Ann Jones of Shaw and Willie James Richard of Columbus; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Tony Craddieth Jr., Brandon Craddieth, Monroe Richard, John Spencer, Brenard Craddieth and Robert Gardner.