Gerald "Jerry" Eli Richards

August 16, 1951 - February 4, 2021

Gerald “Jerry” Eli Richards, age 69, of Taylorsville passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Iredell Hospital after a brief illness with Covid. He was born on August 16, 1951 in Michigan to the late Charles and Dorothy Knapp Richards. During his career, Jerry worked as a machinist for Clark Hurth in Buchanan, MI and followed the company to NC. He enjoyed wood working and could build anything. His passion was making cornhole boards and he loved to play, especially with the boys. It was an extreme competition between them all. Jerry loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, canning, coin collecting, and was a big Nascar collector. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Pete Richards (Terry) and Charley Richards; sisters Pat Kosch and Charlene Martin (Charley); and nieces Renee Kosch and Jan Heiby. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of fifty years Dianna Lynn Rose Richards; sons Eli Richards (Lisa), Lynn Richards (Stephanie), Aaron Richards (Tasha), and Dustin Richards (Melissa); grandchildren Dillon and fiancé Diana, Emilee, Nate, Jeremiah, Rebecca, and Katelyn; brothers Joe Richards (Denise) and Bill Richards (Karen); sisters Fran Casola (Marty) and Catie Collett (Johnny); sister-in-law Karen Richards; a number of nieces and nephews; and special friend who was like a son and brother to the family Eric Jennings. A private memorial service to celebrate the life of Jerry will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at Alexander Funeral Service with the Rev. Paul Schronce officiating. Inurnment will be with the family Covid-19 restrictions apply to all services.