Thomas Richards

WATKINSVILLE – Thomas J. Richards, 50, died Tuesday, January 13, 2009.

A native of Athens, he was the son of Thomas Edward and Charlene Ruark Richards of Athens. He was a graduate of Clarke Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Northland College. He was the fifth great-grandson of President Thomas Jefferson. His name appears on the family tree wall at Monticello and in the Collective Papers of Monticello. He was a member of the Audubon Society Outward Bound, where he enjoyed nature, was an avid bike rider, kayaker, and skier, and enjoyed doing research on the internet. He was the owner of Black Goose Chimney Sweep.

Survivors in addition to his parents are brothers, Dr. Bart Richards and wife Suzanna, Jefferson, Randy “Keith” Richards and wife Kathy, Orlando, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Dane, David, Clay, Tucker and Michelle Richards.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia, 60 Cutter Mill Rd., Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 17, at Bernstein Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Robert Salamone officiating.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.