Dr. Fred Richards, 85, passed away on March 27, 2024. He was born January 12, 1939 in Baltimore, MD, the son of Ezlin Black Richards and Alfred L. Richards, Sr.
As Fred put it on several occasions, he “lived many lives”: as a young Baptist preacher, seminary student, English Professor, Psychology Professor, Merchant Seaman, carpenter, psychotherapist, artist, author, the Easter Bunny, Freddie the Rabbit, a great friend of Santa Claus, a clown, an actor in Community Theatre, and an auctioneer. A member of the Carrollton Kiwanis Club (with perfect attendance for 45 years), he was well-known for his entertaining introductions of guests at club meetings, as well as his engaging and heart-warming service as the emcee of numerous talent shows, nursing home pageants, fun dog shows, and fund-raising activities. He was a loyal supporter of the University of West Georgia, who could be heard singing and howling his signature wolf cheers at university football games. He was also widely known by many for the years he drove a distinctive ‘72 Dodge pickup truck covered with bumper stickers and for the colorful and quirky hats he wore when undergoing treatment for cancer.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Armpriester; step-sisters Marion Dean and Bertha Bergen; step-brother, Gene Richards; and sister-in-law, Frances Cohen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years (Anne Richards), and extended family members (Alan Cohen and Eva Marie Carney, Elise Cohen, Brett Cohen and Sarah Cuellar, Marshall Cohen and Emily Diamond); a step-sister (Carol Brown); numerous nieces and nephews; and countless persons he cherished as friends, colleagues, and clients.
A psychotherapist for 46 years, he was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). He authored or co-authored nine books and numerous articles in professional counseling and educational publications as well as in the Times-Georgian, Star News, and West Georgia Woman. His artwork has been selected for the covers of four books.
His talents and potential were recognized early through a nomination for a Woodrow Wilson fellowship by the English Department at Stetson University, where he earned his BA Degree. He also earned a Master’s degree in English at Stetson, a second Master’s degree (M.Ed.) from the University of Florida in Psychological Foundations of Education, a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Union Institute and University in 1972, and an Ed.S. from the University of West Georgia in Guidance & Counseling in 1979.
Fred was the recipient of many awards for distinguished service during his lifetime. During his 49 years in Carrollton he earned awards for this service from the Carrollton Kiwanis Club, the Sertoma Club, the Rotary Club, the University of West Georgia, and the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia. He was the recipient of a Caring award from Senior Citizens of the Carroll County area, as well as awards from the Early Childhood Center, the Carrollton Housing Authority, and the Responsible Sexuality Committee at the University of West Georgia. He was named a Board Member Emeritus of the Community Children’s Home Foundation (Alice’s House), received a Founders Award from the University of West Georgia (for his work as co-chair with his wife of the Centennial Celebration Committee), and the Dora Byron Citizenship Award from the Carrollton/Carroll County League of Women Voters (also shared with his wife). In 2021, he was honored by the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates at their annual masquerade ball for his 43 years of recurrent contributions to mental health, locally and state-wide.
May 7, 2018, the office of the mayor of the city of Carrollton presented him with a proclamation of appreciation as a legendary character in the area; citing his irrepressible presence, oversized personality, quick wit, and characteristic acts of kindness and compassion throughout the county and the West Georgia area. He was considered to have unofficial status as a Good Will ambassador in Carrollton. And he was well-known for helping people understand, cooperate, and communicate more effectively with one another. Being a real, human, and candid person was central to his way of living life. He saw himself as a flawed human being, but one committed to the work of becoming a better one. Christian and Buddhist teachings informed his understanding of what constitutes a good person and what enables persons to come to terms with the suffering that is an inevitable part of human lives. A bumper-sticker he created sums up his spirit and the essence of his decision to leave the world a better place than the way he initially encountered it. It read: “Happiness is becoming the adult I wish I had known as a child.”
Wherever he went, Fred brought cheer, life, joy, hope and support in a world he knew could be difficult to deal with at times. He will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to cross paths with him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to The Kiwanis Club of Carrollton, Alice’s House, The SOS Fund at the University of West Georgia, Agape Hospice Care
A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a future date, likely in September.
Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.almonfuneralhome.com
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