Thomas "Tom" James Richards

thomas

November 4, 1952 ~ May 7, 2024

Born in: Cuyahoga, Ohio
Resided in: Arden, North Carolina

Thomas “Tom” James Richards, 71, of Arden, passed away peacefully at Valor Hospice of Charles George VA Medical Center on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Susan Lytle Richards; his brother, George Richards of Henderson, NV and many loving nieces and nephews.

Raised in Ohio, Tom was a Navy Vietnam Veteran and retired from Borg Warner as a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer. He served as President of Ashley Woods Property Owners Association and enjoyed RV camping, traveling, gardening and daily walks with his dog, Scout.

A Funeral Service with military honors will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 12 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.

In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family asks that you consider making a contribution in his memory to Valor Hospice of Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805.

Services

Funeral Service: May 13, 2024 12:00 pm

Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel
962 Old US Hwy 70
Black Mountain, NC 28711

(919) 664-1195

Visitation: May 12, 2024 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Susan.. I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.. you are in my thoughts and prayers..

  2. It was such a pleasure and privilege to work with and know Tom and to swap sea stories. “Fair winds and following seas” Tom.

    • Worked with Tom. Wonderful man. Learned a lot from him. Got to travel to S. Korea with him. Fishing trip caught his first fish. Awesome times. Love the man. All the Christmas parties we had fun. So sorry Susan prayers for you and family during this time. Rest in peace friend till we meet again.😪

  3. Tom and I met in 1966 when he and his family moved down the street from our house. Tom, George and I played kids games from the start. As we grew our activities grew. We graduated from Brookside High school in 71 and 72, Tom went into the Navy as George and I did too the next year. The three of us eventually were stationed in San Diego. After the Navy we would do many things that put us back in San Diego and Mexico. Tom and George were as close to me as brothers. I look forward to our next meeting and laughing together. God Bless him

  4. Rudy and I are sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I enjoyed working with you and Tom.Also,spending time together outside of work.He will surely be missed.You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Tom and I worked together at BorgWarner. We started within a few months of each other and began working together when I was hired. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed our time working alongside one another. I always enjoyed hearing his stories from the Navy. We had a daily meeting at 8 AM. It was in a conference room that had chairs at one time. They were removed to make the conversion to a standup meeting. As only Tom could, he rolled his desk chair into the meeting each morning and sat while we all stood! HAHA!!

    It was a pleasure working with you over the years and I always enjoyed your Christmas party. Lots of fun times and laughs! Rest easy sir.

  6. Tom and I worked together at Borg Warner. I respected Tom for his wisdom , dedication and overall being a great person. He was always helpful and good for a laugh. RIP my friend, you will be missed immensely !!!


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