POUND, VA.                                                  MAY 2, 2021

George "Richard" Sowards, 68, met his companion, Sheeba, at the golden gates and entered into eternity on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Richard was a southern Baptist, a woodworker, a heavy machine operator, and truly a jack of all trades. He had the biggest heart of any man we knew. He enjoyed his days fishing, sitting in his recliner watching TV, playing on his computer, loving his family, and being the boss to everyone around.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rosa Sowards; his mom and dad, Cinda and James "Pap" Sowards; brother, Milton Sowards; and one of his best friends, JD Sowards.

Surviving are his loving wife, Shirley Sowards; his son, Ritchie Sowards and wife Glenda; his baby girl, Heather Sowards Adams; his grandbabies, Zachary Sowards and wife Katie, LaCinda Adams and Andrew Williams, Hannah Sowards and Harley Farmer, Tanner Adams and Jessica Kenney, and Thurman Adams and Jillian Ramsey; his great-grandbabies, Levi, Lili, Oakleigh, Rayleigh and Ryder; his brothers, Clifford Ray Sowards and wife Joyce of Rhoadesville, VA and Franklin Delmar Sowards and wife Donna of Gordonsville, VA; his special friends, Tim and Rita Elkins, Matthew Elkins, Justin Elkins and Mike Moore; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for George "Richard" Sowards will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Robbie Sowards speaking. Family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. till time of services at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Graveside committal services and burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, May 6, 2021 in the Sowards Family Cemetery in Pound, VA. Family and friends will meet at 12:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home to go to the cemetery in procession. Pallbearers will be Zachary Sowards, Tanner Adams, Thurman Adams, Robbie Sowards, Timothy Elkins, Terry Sowards, Harley Farmer, Andrew Williams, Cliff Sowards and Patrick Rose. We will be following state mandated social distancing and occupancy. Masks will be required and will not be supplied by the funeral home or the family. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.