Robert Calvin Richards

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Robert C. Richards. He was best known as "Mr. Richards", a Plant City Icon whom we all owe a great debt to for all he gave to our students in our community. He would have been 90 years old in October.

He was born on October 24th, 1932 In Lexington Kentucky.

After graduation he was in the United States Navy and earned his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Kentucky State College.

He resided in Plant City, Florida where he was a substitute teacher for almost 35 years. During those years he worked in most of the Eastern Hillsborough County schools. After retirement he still volunteered at Knights Elementary.

He was known as the guy who walked everywhere around town. He loved the Public Library and spent many hours there as well.

He was a beautiful soul who loved the outdoors, children and going to Pow Wow's to sing and dance.

He spent his last few years at Baldomero State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O Lakes.

He loved the therapy pets, music therapy, fellow veterans and activities provided as well as the beautiful property that we were able to walk around on.

He would like to leave us with this Traditional Native American Prayer

I give you this, one thought to keep.
I am with you still; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush...
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone.
I am with you still in each new dawn.

Service information to follow when confirmed. Interment will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.