Gary Tyrone Richard was born on April 7, 1948 to the late William Booker T. and Monie (Brown) Richards. Gary was one of eight siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers, T.C. Richard, Arthur Richards, William T. Richards and David Richards and his sister, Gertrude Richards.

Gary attended school in East St. Louis School District #189. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966. Gary had a deep love for his family, if you needed his help he was just a phone call away. Money wasn't a problem when it came to Gary Tyrone Richard. "Keep the change," as he would say." He always had a saying, "I love all my people," and he truly did.

Gary is a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Army and was inducted on January 31, 1968. He was a Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16) and an Expert of Rifle M-16. He had two overseas bars and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and most importantly a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat.

Gary decided to join the good Lord and his beloved family on December 25, 2024 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife ~ Regina Smith-Richard; sisters ~ Deanna (James) Davis of East Saint Louis, Illinois, Deborah (late, Donell) Wilson of Springfield, Illinois; sister-in-law ~ Ursalla (late David) Richards of Olathe, Kansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and others relatives.