Sgt Robert William Richards, USMC (Ret.), 28, of St. Petersburg died on Wednesday, August 13th 2014 at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A native of St. Petersburg, he was born on February 25, 1986 at Bayfront Medical Center. He graduated from Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, Florida in 2004. In January 2007, Robert enlisted in the USMC and faithfully served for six and a half years, serving in three combat deployments in Afghanistan in support Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his career, Robert served with the Scout Sniper Platoon, and in 2009 earned the official title of Scout Sniper. During his military career, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with four stars, as well as numerous other unit and personal awards. He is described by his fellow Marines as a selfless leader, a dedicated Marine, and a faithful friend. He is his mother's hero. He married the love of his life, Raechel, in 2007.



Sgt Richards is survived by his wife, Raechel, his mother, Cate Richards, his maternal grandparents, Col. Bill Collins, US Army (Ret.) and Ann Collins, his paternal grandmother, M.D. Richards, his mother and father in law, R. Edward and Jan W. Bradford, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Preceding him in death include his father, Dean Turner Richards, his paternal grandfather Robert L. Richards, who both served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Friends may call from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Anderson-McQueen Family Tribute Center, 2201-Dr. M.L. King St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be held at 9:15 am on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Internment of Sgt Richards will be held at a final resting service at Arlington National Cemetery in February 2015. In lieu of flowers, his family would prefer donations to the Sgt Rob Richards Memorial Fund established to defray final costs as well as to fund charities in which Rob was passionate. Memorial donations can be sent through www.gofundme.com/d47680.