Billy Owen Richards, 80, of Mt. Sterling, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at the VA Lexington Health Care Hospital.
Born Nov. 6, 1945, in Mt. Sterling, he was the son of the late James E. and Emily K. Stone Richards. He proudly served his country in the Navy and Army National Guard. He was retired from both the Hobart factory and Toyota factory. He also worked at J.C. Penney and loved it. When his health allowed, he devoted himself to serving others through the Special Olympics of Kentucky, his church, the food pantry, and helping people experiencing homelessness and families in need. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and working with his gourds. He was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include his sweet wife of 59 years, Sheila Cline Richards; three sons, Billy “Bo” Richards and Thomas “Wes” Richards, both of Mt. Sterling and John Edward (Pamela) Richards of Fairfield, Texas; granddaughter, Emily Richards of Georgetown; great-grandson, Elijah Coomer of Georgetown; sister, Kathy Dilley of Fulton, Miss.; sister-in-law, Mozelle Combs of Jeffersonville; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Daisy.
Service was conducted Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals with Pastor Mark Murphy and Bush Stevenson officiating. Graveside service was conducted Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville with Vernon Coffey officiating.
Pallbearers were Mike Koiser, Omar Prewitt, Jim Davis, Cheryl Isaacs, Billy Cline, Bryan Flanders, Paul Stone and Jacob Blevins.
Honorary pallbearers were Matthew 18:20 Take 3 Prayer Group.
Services entrusted to the care of Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals.
