Mr. James "Leslie" Richards, age 83 of Ellijay, passed away on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at his residence.

Leslie was born in Gilmer County on May 9th, 1941 to the late Frank and Myrtle Ellis Richards. He has resided in Gilmer County his entire life, living in the Cartecay community. He was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church the Masons; Oak Bowery Lodge #81 and the Order of The Eastern Star #340: Gilmer County. During his younger years, he enjoyed coaching tee ball. Leslie loved his family and his church.  He liked to tell stories and loved to travel. He also liked to fish and he loved music. He retired from the Department of Revenue. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Wesley Richards and Hubert Richards.

Survivors include his wife, of over 63 years Joyce West Richards; daughters, Robin (Tommy) Evans, Chrisse (Dennis) Ralston, and Leslie Ann (Ray) Reece; brother, Paul (Linda) Richards; sisters, Frances Mulkey and Alva (Ralph) Cobb; sister-in-law, Izell Richards; brother-in-law, Ronald (Brenda) West; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Sam Rickett, Rev. Russell Burt, Rev. Michael Cantrell, and Rev. Paul Richards. Masonic Rites will be performed by the Oak Bowery Lodge #81 in the church. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as Pall Bearers: Cody and Cade Evans, Will Ralston, Colin Daniels, Justin Banks, Brady Banks, Sam West, Billy Jones and Rob Palmieri. Honorary Pall Bearers: Owen Gunter, Camden Gunter, John Parker Evans, Shepherd Evans, Randy Richards, Jeremy Richards, Jason Richards, Frank Mulkey, Michael Mulkey, Justin Richards, Tommy Pankey, Kent Reece, Branson Chastain, Loyd Holden, Mitchell Bowen, Jimmy McVey, and Chad West.

The family will receive friends on Sunday January 12th, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery fund, in care of Branson Chastain - 84 River Ridge-Ellijay, GA 30536.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Compassus Hospice and their staff for the excellent care.

The family also respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of the arrangements.