Fred M. Richards, 73, of Wilsonville, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007. He was born June 14, 1934, to Matt and Pauline Richards.

Fred was an Adult Sunday School teacher and member at Antioch Baptist Church in Columbiana. He was a salesman for Kraft Foods for 19 years, and owner of Food Service Distributors for 10 years. After selling his food service business, he farmed for 10 years in Clanton.

Fred was the founder and broker for Down South Realty. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors and Alabama Association of Realtors. He served as president of the Columbiana Kiwanis Club for two years. Fred was a member of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and was awarded “Citizen of the Year” for 2006. His favorite pastimes were fishing and farming.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sarah Jo Richards; son, Matt (Joni) Richards; daughter, Terri Ruff; step-son, Tommy (Angie) Kober; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Don Richards; one sister, Lynda Wilkes; and the mother of his children, Mary Underwood Richards.

Services were held Saturday, Dec. 8, at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham.

The family would like to extend special thanks to sister in-law, Frankie Dunnam, for her love and support and to Linda Obering, RN, of New Beacon Hospice for her special care. Special thanks are also extended to members of the Columbiana Kiwanis Club.

Memorials may be made to the Columbiana Kiwanis Club, the Building Fund at Antioch Baptist Church of Columbiana, or to New Beacon Hospice