Colonel Robert McKain Richards, Jr., USMC Retired, son of the late Colonel and Mrs. Robert McKain Richards, Sr., USMC Retired, died at his home in San Diego, California, on March 8, 2026. Bob was “born a Marine” in Bennettsville, S.C. on May 17, 1944, while his dad was in the Pacific during World War Two.
Bob graduated from Camp LeJeune High School in 1962 where he was the quarterback of the high school’s championship football team, and The Citadel, where he graduated in 1966 with a Civil Engineering degree. He was in Hotel Company.
Bob served on active duty in the Marine Corps for twenty-five years and served two tours in Vietnam. During the Battle of Hue, he served as a company commander while a first lieutenant in the First Marine Division. Among his many awards and commendations were the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat “V” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star.
Bob is survived by his wife, three daughters, and three grandchildren. His brother, John, graduated from The Citadel in the Class of 1971.