Joseph Nelson Richards, 81, of Brandywine, MD passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 13, 1939 in Washington, D.C., he was the devoted son of the late Preston Thomas Richards and Helen Irene (Rawlings) Richards.
He met the love of his life and married his loving wife, Jeanette Brisco in 1958. Together they celebrated over 62 years of wedded bliss. Their love grew when they welcomed two (2) children into their union Joseph and Kathy.
Family meant everything to Joe and he strived to give them the best life. He worked rain or shine on his Christmas tree farm. Taking great pride in the joy his trees brought to families and the traditions he witnessed through generations. Although he retired in 1989, he never forgot the smell of fresh pine in the air and happiness of the season. He was proud of his strong work ethic and passed these traits to his children. He loved to hear the laughter and see the smiles of his family as they gathered especially his grandchild, Tammy Eanes.
Joe enjoyed being outdoors. He would go crabbing in the summer and hunting in the fall. Being in nature rejuvenated his soul and brought him a sense of peace. A man of many talents, Joe was a talented clockmaker. His fascination with horology (the study of time), leaves the family with many treasured heirlooms.
They say the true legacy of man is through the eyes of his family. If you knew Joe you know all about his family. He was a happy, friendly, kind, and caring man. He was a great man, husband, father and grandfather who will be missed for generations. Although his time ran out, the memories of his life will continue for generations and you will be reunited again.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeanette Richards of Brandywine, MD; children, Joseph Clyde Richards (Debbie) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Kathy Kerr (Christopher) of Mechanicsville, MD; one (1) grandchild and two (2) sisters, Mary Welch and Emily Norris. Along with his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, William P. Richards and Alice Norris.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held prior to the Funeral Service by Local #174, at 4:00 with a Funeral Service immediately following and officiated by, John C. Warren at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will be held at a later date at Immanuel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 17400 Aquasco Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.
In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made in Joe’s name to the Immanuel United Methodist Cemetery Fund, 17400 Aquasco Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
All Arrangements have been made by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.
