Donald M. Richards

Donald Manuel Richards, age 86, of Monroe, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026. Born on June 29, 1939, in Cumming, Georgia, Donald lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, and steadfast service to others.

Donald served his country for a short period in the United States Navy. He found great joy in the simple blessings of life—deer hunting, fishing, playing softball and basketball, and most of all, spending time with his beloved family. He worked faithfully pastoring at churches for many years and served as Pastor of Corinth Baptist Church for 45 years before retiring due health issues in 2017. Through his ministry and daily life, he made those around him feel secure, loved, and guided by unwavering faith. His favorite scripture, I John 5:11–13, reflected the hope and assurance he carried throughout his life.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel David Richards and Ollie Maybelle Padgett Richards; six brothers, Junior, MJ, Eugene, Ivan, Vernon, and LarVean; three sisters, Gertrude, Ptelene, and Mildred; his beloved wife, Catherine Whitt Richards; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth “Nichole” Wallace.

Donald is survived by his loving children, Debbie Hill (Bennie), Donna Taggart, and Jeff Richards (Lisa); grandchildren, Tonya Simmons (Todd), Jeremy Wallace (Beth), Tracy Dove (Trent), Brittany McLendon (Chris), Jacob Richards, and Cameron Burkett (Matt); fourteen great-grandchildren, Jessica, Audrey, Jackson, Olivia, Cody, Gage, Ledger, Jordyn, Parker (Emily), Blane, Ava, Amelia, Tristan, and Cillian; three great-great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Lexi, and Kashton; sister-in-law, Judy Richards; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Corinth Baptist Church on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the church, 3156 Langley Road SW, Loganville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Corinth Baptist Church Missions in honor of Donald’s lifelong dedication to faith and service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, (770) 277-4550.

Donald’s legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength will live on in the many lives he touched and in the family he cherished so deeply.