Carolyn Richards

Carolyn Richards, 83, went to be with the Lord on February 6, 2023 after an extended illness. Born and raised in Kingsport, TN, where she attended Ketron High School. After graduating high school, she went to work for Holston Valley Hospital as a secretary. After moving to Douglas Lake for a few years with her husband, Carolyn became quite impressive on a jet ski. She also was an avid reader, was a whiz with crossword puzzles, but her favorite past time was being by Jim’s side.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, James Preston Free, Jr., and Carrie Josephine Gibson Free; her husband of 58 years, Jimmy Wayne Richards. She was the youngest of eight children with her other siblings preceding her in death.

Survivors include her children, Danny Richards and wife Barbara, Lynda Kimberling and fiancée Loyd Garland, Stanley Richards and wife Sherry, Melissa Marshall and husband John, Matt Richards and wife Allison; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; special cousin, Barbara and H.L. Williams; and special nephew, Ted Hilton.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1pm at East Tennessee Cemetery with Phil Whittemore officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Preston Place.