Albert Charles “A.C.” Richards (Ricky) was welcomed into this natural life by Betty Eddy Holzendorf (Clifford) and Albert Charles Richards, Sr. on October 12, 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was educated at Stanton High School and attended Florida State College. He later joined the United States Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1981. Upon leaving the military, A.C. returned to Jacksonville with a re-ignited fire and deeper love for God and shared the Gospel with many of his family and friends.

A.C. was employed in the Telecommunications Industry and was a member of the Southside Business Men’s Club. After many years in this industry, his entrepreneur spirit led him to open his own successful telecommunications company known as Advanced Beeper Communications (ABC Beepers). In 2003, he was the honorable guest speaker at the Commencement Services for ITT Technological Institute of Jacksonville and also helped mentor and train many students who were interns at ABC Beepers and within the telecommunications industry. Through this commencement speech, he continued to further his goal by starting the organization named Teaching Men Success (TMS), in which he mentored and empowered many young men to pursue their dreams. Keeping it moving forward, he also started Century Land Services, where he continued to share the gospel that impacted the lives of many of his employees as well as others. A.C. always loved to help others and was never afraid to follow his dreams or try a new idea. He finished part one and part two of his 3-cord legacy…lastly his third cord being the implementation of a program to assist Veterans with healthcare and their overall well-being.

A.C. transitioned from his natural life into his spiritual life on Sunday, March 5, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Charles Richards, Sr; stepfather, Clifford Eddy; son, Charles Andrew Jones “Lil Ricky”; and grandmother, Bernice “Mother” Holzendorf.

A.C. leaves his special winning spirit and joyous life in remembrance to his wife of 42 years, Valerie Lindsey Richards; four children, Sharmayne (Derrick) Mason, Sharesse (William) Branch, Sharon (Timothy) Richards, and Shawn (Tameka) Richards; 12 grandchildren, Derrick-Alexander, Danielle, Daela, Derrious, Charles, Charish, Elijah, Timothy, Jr., Dejah, Wilson, Shamiah, and Shawn, Jr.; his mother, Betty Eddy; sister, Debbie (Charles) Cooper; brother, Marcus Eddy; father-in-law, Willie T. Lindsey Sr; sister-in-law, Monique Smith; brothers-in-law, Willie (Mary) Lindsey Jr., Vernon (Jean) Lindsey, Pastor Dr. Bruce E (Gwendolyn) Childs; 3 additional grandchild; many numerous step-brothers and sisters; and a huge host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The funeral service for ALBERT CHARLES "AC" RICHARDS JR. will be held 10:30 am MONDAY, March 13th, 2017 at the Samuel C. Rogers Jr. Memorial Chapel, 4315 N. Main St. The visitation will be 9:30 - 10:30 am, MONDAY, at the chapel. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234