Richards, Robert Lane

Robert Lane Richards, 84 of Floyd, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Ballard & Annie Prillaman Richards; and brothers, Ammon Richards and Irvin Richards (Elizabeth).

Robert enjoyed racing, basketball, baseball and had a love of music. He drove a milk truck before working for Whiting Oil Company, driving an oil truck for 37 years. At the age of 16 he began driving a school bus, something he was well known for doing for 40 years. He was a lifelong member and deacon of Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren where he and Shirley faithfully attended.

Robert was married to the love of his life, Shirley. You never saw one without the other and they were a true example of what a Godly marriage is.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Hylton Richards; daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Dennis Whitlock; son & daughter-in-law, Allen & Sonja Richards; grandchildren, Ezra Richards (Gabby), Moriah Wilson (Gray), Hannah Richards, Sarah Richards, Lucas Richards (Abigail), Isaiah Richards, Micah Richards, Judah Richards, Eric Whitlock (Ashley Taylor), Gabriel Whitlock (Lianna Koberoski); sister-in-law, Betty Richards; favorite niece & caregiver, Carolyn Hylton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin, Pastor Angela Carr, and Pastor Stanley Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Floyd County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091 or to Laurel Branch Cemetery, c/o Mark Sowers, 1053 Wills Ridge Rd, Floyd, VA 24091.