William L. Richards

William L. Richards, age 88, of Asheville, died Sunday, April 7, 2013. Mr. Richards was born August 16, 1924 in Newport News, VA and was a resident of Buncombe County since 1980. Mr. Richards was a linotype machine operator with the Daily Press in Newport News with whom he spent his entire career. William was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and involved in the Normandy invasion. He was the son of the late Claude and Ruth Richards and husband of the late Lorraine Sublett Richards who died September 5, 1963. William was also preceded in death by his second wife Zelma Higgins Richards who died in 1999. Surviving are son, Bill Goodwin and wife Kathy of Brownstown, MI; grandchildren, Veronica Matte, Beth Blicharz, and Amy Blicharz; great grandchildren, Eli Brown and Joseph Brown. His graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Newport News, VA under the direction of Altmeyer Funeral Homes. The family will receive friends from 6:00—8:00 P.M. Tuesday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider CarePartners Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Richards' obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.