Wendell Leolokie Richards Jr.

Wendell Leolokie Richards Jr., 46, of Brinkley, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, April 2 at Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Wendell was born on September 8, 1979, in Waukegan, Illinois to Wendell L. Richards Sr. and Tyrene McBride-Richards. Affectionately known as "Nerd" by his family and friends, Wendell received a formal education at Brinkley School District in Brinkley, Arkansas. He later earned his GED from an Adult Education Program in Jonesboro.

Wendell accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Oscar Conyears at Mount of Olive Ministries, where he was a lifelong member.

Wendell was united in holy matrimony to Nina Hulbert on September 13, 2002

He was employed with Riviana Foods in Brinkley for more than three years.

Wendell was preceded in death by his father, Wendell L. Richards Sr.; brothers Martin Richards and Ceanta' Richards; and his maternal grandfather, Reverend Howard McBride.

He is survived by his wife, Nina Richards of North Little Rock, AR; sons, Wendell Richards III and Nicholas Richards of North Little Rock, AR; daughters, Alijah Rich of Fayetteville, NC, Angela Richards and Anayah Richards, both of North Little Rock, AR, and Bianca Jordan of Brinkley, AR; one grandchild, Kaysen Richards of North Little Rock, AR; mother, Tyrene (Fredrick) Pittman of Brinkley, AR; maternal grandmother, Charlene McBride of Brinkley, AR; brothers, Warrick (Lasharra) McBride of Memphis, TN, Gerald (Marquill) Richards of Brinkley, AR, Darrnell (Glenda) Porter of Conway, AR, Santago (Clareasa) Porter of Stuttgart, AR, and Marchello (Brandeth) Porter of Wynne, AR; sister, Shane' (Chadrick) Bryant of Barlett, TN; special nieces, Quinta, Teca, and Moka; special aunt, Charlene Cobbs; special cousins, Nia', Te'a, and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and other friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17 from 5:00 until 6:00 PM at C.J. Williams Funeral Directors Chapel, 124 South Main Avenue in Brinkley. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18 at Mount of Olive Ministries in Brinkley, with Reverend Oscar M. Conyears serving as eulogist. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Brinkley by C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 and Stuttgart (870) 672-7100. For additional information, email williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gamil.com or visit www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net.

The active pallbearers are Fred Pittman, Darnell Porter, Santago Porter, Marchello Porter, Nick-Angelo Willis, and Kaii Brown.