Raphel Steven (Steve) Richards, age 69, of Warrior peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on August 23, 2025, after a brief illness.
He faithfully and joyfully served in various roles at New Temple Baptist Church for over 20 years. He retired from ACIPCO after 25 years and Jefferson County Commission after 15 years where he made many lifelong friends. After retirement, he enjoyed golf, fishing and, most of all, family (especially grandchildren).
Steve’s love of life, great sense of humor, laughter, kindness, the great gift of gab as well as having a listening ear will leave an empty place in all our hearts. We rejoice in knowing he is now in his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chatman and Evelyn Richards; Joe and Irene Champion and his father, Thaxton Richards.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Debbie Findlay Richards; mother, Martha Richards; sons, Brett Richards (Leah); Codey Richards (Chae); sister, Ginger Jones (Morris); grandchildren, Mary Tanner, Willie and Marloe; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who he loved dearly.
A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, August 27th, at New Temple Baptist Church, Dora, AL with visitation from 4pm-6pm and the service at 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Temple Baptist Church Building Fund, 4501 Greathouse Rd, Dora, AL 35062.
