Richard graduated from Coosa County High School in 1973 where he was a member of the football and basketball team. He was selected to the All-Area Basketball team as a senior. Following high school, he went on to the University of Alabama playing freshman football and then baseball in 1975-1976. After graduating from Alabama, he began a 29 year teaching and coaching career at Cherokee High School. As a member of the Indians' staff he was head baseball coach for 29 years, assistant and head basketball coach for 28 years and assistant football coach for 12 years. The Tribe baseball team, under his leadership, had over 400 victories, 15 Area Championships, 18 State Play-Off appearances, reached the semi-finals 8 times and finals 3 times. As the Head Basketball Coach, Richard led the Indians to 4 Area Championships and one Times/Daily Championship in 1995. Now retired in Alabama, he continues to teach and coach girl's softball at Burnsville Middle School in Mississippi.