Billy Richards

Billy RichardsAge 94, of Novi, passed away on May 26, 2016. Beloved husband of Courtric Arleen Charles. Loving father of Lee Ann (Gary) Nieman and Susan (Matt) Houser. Dear stepfather of Rod (Karen) Charles, Keith (Betty Jo) Charles, and Cynthia (John) Bullington. Adored grandfather of Jason Houser, Loren Houser, Geoffrey Charles, Kara Charles, Elizabeth Bullington, Jay Bullington, and Becky Bullington. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson James Charles. He proudly served in the United States Navy.  A graveside service will be held Friday, June 3, 2016 at 11am at Grand Lawn Cemetery, 23501 Grand River Avenue, Detroit. Please wait inside the gate of the cemetery for the procession to the graveside.   Navy  Years of Service:  1942-1945  Location Served/Tours:  WWII, Grosse Ile, MI and Pearl Harbor.  Special memories are of:  The years stationed at Grosse Ile, MI.  The time I met President Harry S. Truman as I was scheduled to take the train from St. Louis, MO to Pennsylvania for training. Seeing me he said in front of everyone “Wait, let the sailor go aboard.” Also the year I was at Pearl Harbor, I saw one of the ships that had been badly damaged come into port. “Of all of the experiences, I valued most the fellowship with all those I had the opportunity to meet.”