Later in life, Ace spent happy hours at the Life Enrichment Center.  He developed friendships with fellow participants and staff whom he loved and who loved him; for which the family will be ever grateful.

Ace loved to travel with his beloved wife of 58 years, Jo Ann, especially visiting his three sons and their families: Scott (Meg), Pueblo, CO, Ed (Mary), Kings Mountain, NC, and Phil (Diana), Batesville, AR; the eleven grandchildren: Colin (Courtney), Ian, Kate, Nathan, and Duncan of CO, Kyle and Claire of Kings Mountain, Eileen (Steele) Scroggin of TN, Erin, Anna and Abby of AR.

Ace leaves good friends: Doug Carlisle, Marve Weber and Larry Moore; loving caregivers: Deann Peterson, Edna and Veronica Battle, and special Hospice RN at home, Heather Willis; his devoted Schnauzer, Shelby.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Shelby Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Luke Harkey will be officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Memorials may be made to Shelby Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 1444, Shelby, NC 28150 or Cleveland County Rescue Mission, P. O. Box 1272, Shelby, NC. 28151.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Dr. Richards.