George Joseph Richards, 100, of Leonardtown, MD, died on June 17, 2012, at Hospice of St. Mary's in Callaway, MD. Born December 17, 1911, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Anthony Richards and Magdaline Yurgaitis Richards.

George joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served aboard the DD794 USS Irwin in the Pacific. After being honorably discharged he was employed by the Department of Agriculture for 35 dedicated years. During this time, he spent two memorable years in India.

In 1967 he moved to Bushwood, Maryland, where he spent ten years before moving to Sun City Center, FL. After spending nine years in Florida, George moved back to Leonardtown, MD, in 1986. George had many extracurricular activities, which included gardening, photography, driving an ambulance while residing in Florida, and volunteering as a first aide instructor for the American Red Cross. However, his passion was with his dachshunds. He loved working with and training his beloved dogs. He was a member of the Richmond Dog Obedience Club, where he won many awards; the Chesapeake Kennel Club, the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Southern Maryland Barbershop Chorus, the Bowie Knights of Harmony, and St. Paul's Methodist Church.

George is survived by his two sons, John L. Richards (Elizabeth Ann) of Leonardtown, MD and Warren G. Richards (Lucy) of Hamilton, VA; four grandchildren, John D. Richards (Paula) of Brentwood, TN, Susanne E. Richards Zilberfarb (Greg) of Oakhill, VA, George K. Richards of Lakewood, CO, and Christine Ray (Rick) of Delray Beach, FL; ten great-grandchildren; and six step great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edith Isabel Richards.

Family will receive friends for George's Life Celebration on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at First Saints Community Church, St. Paul's Campus, officiated by Pastor John Wunderlich, 25550 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.