A Time To Be Born: On December 15,1935, a handsome second son, Morgan Eugene “Pop” Richard was born in Saint Petersburg, Florida to the late parents, Deacon Louis and Zola Richard. He was adored by his older brother Louis Richard, Jr. and soon after his younger sister Sandra Marie Richard was welcomed into the Richard family (all who preceded him in death).
A Time To Show Thyself Approved: Pop graduated from Gibbs High School, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He later attended and achieved his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, from Xavier University College of Pharmacy (New Orleans, Louisiana) on May 30, 1956.
A Time To Love: Pop met the love of her life, Mary Emma Macon. They were married on April 18, 1958. To this blessed union two beautiful daughters were created; Sabrina (“Brina”) Louise Richard-Cromartie and Dr. Darice (“Dari”) Eugenia Renee Richard-Mitchell. From this union Mary was affectionately and officially known to many as “Tudy”.
A Time To Serve: Pop was drafted and served in the United States Army November 26, 1958 to 1960 where he served in Bremerhaven, Germany as a pharmacist at the 33rd Station Hospital. He later served in the US Army Reserve until 1964. Even while serving his country as an Army Reservist, Pop decided to pick up his family and take a leap of faith and made Lakeland, Florida their new home. He then became the first African American to own his own Drug Store (Richard’s Pharmacy located on North Dakota Avenue, now Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue) from 1958 - 1965. He was a strong NAACP organizer and felt the wrath of the racism from the KKK in Lakeland for his leadership of rallies for Black equality, he was instrumental in the integration of St. Petersburg Beach, as well as other segregated Central Florida Public Facilities. Because of his strong radical belief in equality for all mankind, and several death threats; he and his family were forced to close his pharmacy and move to the sunny city of Miami, FL. Pop continued his pharmacy career as one of the first Black Grand Union Pharmacists, then he expanded his career to Walgreens Pharmacy, Northside Plaza location (79th Street and 27th Ave), in March 1976. Pop served as Staff Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager in nearly 10 Walgreens Pharmacies throughout the inter-city of Miami. He later retired from Walgreens, but you could still find him working part-time just to stay active at several local privately owned pharmacies in Dade County; especially on the days you did not find him playing golf with his beloved Miami Connection Golf Club or Miami Chittlin’ Tour Professional Black
Golfing (PBG) Association. Everyone knew him as Doc Richard, with a really good golf average and an even better golf handicap.
A Time To Learn: As a faithful member of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Hendon and later on Pastor George McRae, Pop served as a faithful member. His lengthy membership brought him years of happiness serving the Lord with gladness. He was also actively involved in Career and Health Fairs.
A Time To Share: Pop was known as a kind and giving creature of God with strong Christian values. He was always ready and willing to help those in need to the point where he was one of the first dedicated members of the 500 Role Models of Excellence known now as 5000 Role Models of Excellence. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was founded by then Miami-Dade County School Board Member Frederica S. Wilson, now U.S. Congresswoman. Initiated by the Miami-Dade County School Board in March 1993, the project was born out of the recognition that many young people face ongoing challenges that hinder their potential. Its mission is to intervene in the lives of youth, providing them with alternatives that steer them away from crime and violence. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is committed to providing the resources needed to reclaim our youth. Trained adult role models support young people, offering mentorship and guidance to help them overcome obstacles and succeed. These young people are not defined by their circumstances, but rather by the potential within them to change the trajectory of their lives. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence is simply to act now, to make a difference, and to protect the future of our youth before time runs out. God loaned Pop to us to show the world that true beauty comes from within, and it is about simple kindness and strength of character.
A Time To Transition: Pop answered God’s call on January 2, 2026, mounting his wings and taking flight to his heavenly home to be with the Lord.
He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Mary “Tudy” Richard, daughters; Sabrina L. Richard-Cromartie, Dr. Darice Eugenia Renee Richard-Mitchell, (Willie J. Mitchell), One grandson, Morgan Christopher Watkins, Sisters and Brothers-in-Law Fannie E. Barton, (Leroy “B.J.” Barton), Dorothy L. Jones, (Walter “Bubba” Jones), Betty Ann Dean, (William Dean,) Marian D. Burns, (William “Pitt” Burns) and Samuel P. Macon. (all who preceded him in death) Sister-in-Law; Dena R. Nelson (Collie Nelson); Brothers-in-Law; Darrell T. Macon, (June Macon), Danny B. Macon (Rose Wilson). Sister-In-Law; Carolyn Macon. Pop and Mary shared an adopted daughter, Ms. Arlothias (affectionately known to all as “Lottie”) Allen. Pop was also blessed to have three angels as his caregivers; Ms. Christine Roundtree, Ms.Gwendolyn Bailey and Ms. Leonie Green. These three angels made it their business to take care of Pop and his beloved Tudy. A host of beautiful nieces, nephews and friends.