WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The name Adolph Richard is synonymous with the Community Boys and Girls Club. This was because Mr Richard had been the Executive Director of the club for over 20 years. He accepted the job in 1973, when the club was men-only.

Mr. Richard passed away on October 29, aged 90.

Richard has been a role model and mentor to many young boys and girls for over twenty years. Radio host Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman was one of Mr. Richard’s mentees. After hearing of his passing, Hickman paid tribute to him on his Facebook page.

“You trained us all to be leaders and to excel in the talents we were given. Whether it’s academics, sports, music or oratory, you’ve enabled us to hone our talents to be better than our counterparts, Hickman said on his Facebook page.

Richard grew up in Wilmington during segregation. He excelled in football and basketball at Williston High School, Wilmington’s all-black high school at the time. During his senior year in high school, he received a basketball scholarship to Fayetteville State University, but he turned it down. Instead, he decided to join the U.S. Army, serving three years in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Mr. Richard would continue his education and earn a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee A&I State University and a master’s degree from Webster University.

Richard retired in 1993 as Executive Director of the Community Boys and Girls Club. He spent the next seven years as a teacher at West Pender Middle School.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2929 Princess Place Drive.

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.