Jeffrey Nelson ("Grits") Richard passed from this life to his glorious heavenly home on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, he was the son of Robert (Bob) Eldon Richard and Sybil Nelson Richard. Jeff spent his early years in Tennessee and Florida before moving to Denton in 1971. He excelled in sports at Denton High School, especially football and baseball. Upon graduation in 1975, he went on to play baseball at Paris Junior College and the University of North Texas, graduating from UNT in 1979. Jeff was also passionate about golf and enjoyed playing golf his entire life.

Jeff grew up attending First Baptist Church of Denton, and in a high school Sunday school class there, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Jeff loved Jesus and served Him for the rest of his life. He was a deacon at FBC and gave unselfishly of his time in various ministries at Denton Bible Church and, most recently, Rockpointe Church of Flower Mound.  Jeff also loved and served in Bible Study Fellowship and was on the board of Sports Ministry Outreach, a ministry dear to his heart.

Jeff met the love of his life, Amy, in the college department at FBC, and they were married on June 2, 1979. They spent 41 wonderful years together. On November 20, 1982, they were blessed by the birth of their daughter Amanda, the light of their lives. Jeff loved his "girls" well, and his passing leaves a hole in their hearts. An insurance agent for almost 40 years, Jeff spent the last decade working at Century Insurance of Denton. He cared for and served his clients well.

Words alone cannot describe who Jeff was. He was a man of faith, integrity, gentleness, humility, kindness, patience, and humor. He was hardworking and unselfish. He will be remembered for his servant's heart, his love for family, and his love for Jesus. He leaves a rich legacy for so many. Jeff was truly one of a kind.

He was preceded in death by his mother Sybil Richard.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Amy Richard of Denton, his daughter, Amanda Richard of Austin, his father, Bob Richard and wife Cordelia of Frisco, and his brothers, Steve Richard and wife Doris of Denton, Greg Richard and wife Nancy of McKinney, and his nieces and nephews, Allison and Luke Richard and Mykaela Anderson. He also leaves a host of friends who loved Jeff and will miss him dearly.

There will be a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jeff with a gift to sportsministryoutreach.org