SALEM -- George "Bill" William Richards Jr., 62, passed away peacefully at his home and went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2026.  A man known for his jovial spirit, sharp wit, and unmistakable laugh, Bill left an indelible mark on his community and the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Born in Cleveland on December 9, 1963, Bill was the son of Judith Ann and the late George William Richards Sr. As the President of Richards Moving and Storage Inc, Bill spent decades helping families find their way home. He and his brother took over the family business from his father, continuing a legacy of hard work and dedication in the Salem and Butler Township areas.

A man of faith, Bill attended services at Grace Fellowship Church in Niles. After church, Bill could be found treating his grandkids to lunch at Mission BBQ and then joining everyone at the clubhouse for another longstanding family tradition- Sunday dinners. What started as a immediate family gatherings grew to include many of the lifelong friends in Bill's life who became like family.

Bill also loved entertaining friends and family at the home he built on Berlin lake. Every year, as soon as the snow melted and the sun started to shine in Ohio, Bill would pack up the car with his loyal dog, Kona, and head straight to the lake. Bill made friends everywhere he went, and he had another close group of friends at the lake, who Bill would invite over for barbeque, beers, a bonfire, and lots of laughs.

Bill was also involved in several fraternal and civic organizations, including: Salem VFW, Al Koran, Youngstown Shrine Club, Valley of Youngstown-Scottish Rite and Allen Masonic Lodge #276 (Columbiana). He loved to be outside on the family property, cutting firewood, and making sure his mom had a stable supply of firewood. He then could be found at his own sawmill processing wood for friends and family and working on his own DIY projects.

But above all else, Bill loved to be with his family. Whether it was taking the kids for rides on the golf carts around the woods or cracking jokes with his nephews at the bar while watching football, he loved to make his family laugh. His four children were the center of his world, and he was so proud of Amanda, Katie, Stephanie, and Alan, and the lives they've built. He was a beloved grandfather, or "Papa Bill" or "Bubby" as he was known to his 14 grandchildren, a son, a brother, and an uncle.

Bill is survived by his mother, Judith Ann Richards of Winona; his four children: Amanda Jane (Christopher) Hammitt, Katherine Ann (Shawn) McCauley, Stephanie Marie (Adam) Waldo, and Alan Silas (Lexi) Richards; and his brother, Douglas Avery (Christina) Richards. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Greenisen Family of Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to:

Shriners Hospital

https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/BillRichards

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