Robert Jeffrey "Jeff" Richards Sr., age 59, of Bremen, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Born to the late Robert Benjamin Richards and Janeth Richards Bennett, Jeff was a lifelong West Georgian whose life was defined by family, friendship, service, and more than four decades devoted to law enforcement.

A graduate of Central High School, Jeff went on to build a distinguished career in public safety that spanned more than 40 years. He began his law enforcement career with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, where he served in numerous capacities throughout the years and ultimately rose to the rank of Captain over the Criminal Investigations Division. Through every role he held, Jeff earned the respect and friendship of those who served alongside him while dedicating himself to protecting and serving the community he called home.

Jeff's commitment to public service continued when he was appointed Warden of the Carroll County Prison. He also represented the WARRS Authority, working with agencies and local governments throughout the region in support of critical emergency communications and public safety. In 2023, Jeff joined the Heard County Sheriff's Office, where he most recently served as a Sergeant Investigator assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.

Earlier this year, Jeff's lifetime of service was recognized when he received the 2026 B.L.U.E. Hero Award, representing Believing, Loving, Understanding, and Endurance. The honor was a meaningful recognition of a man who had devoted much of his life to serving others and who formed countless friendships throughout the law enforcement community along the way.

Jeff was also a member of Carroll Lodge #69 F&AM, where he shared in the fellowship and brotherhood of the Masonic fraternity.

Yet for all Jeff accomplished during his career, the titles that mattered most were the ones that came from his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and brother, and an especially proud "Pawpaw." His grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life, and there was no mistaking how much he loved being their Pawpaw.

Jeff will also be remembered for his laughter, his willingness to help others, and the relationships he formed wherever life took him. Jeff also had a special four-legged companion in Bella, Nikki's little 11-pound poodle, whom he absolutely adored. The bond they shared was a special one, and Bella remained by Jeff's side until the very end.

Jeff leaves behind his loving wife, Nikki Richards; his children, Jeff Richards Jr. (Monica), Jacob Richards (Ebonie), Scott Chapman, and Amber Roy (Lonnie); his earthly mother, Kathy Donald Richards; his brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Stephanie Richards; his sister and brother-in-law, DeAnn and Tim Duffey; and his beloved grandchildren, Jaxson Richards, Rylynn Richards, Leilani Richards, Cesar Gonzalez, Addie Roy, Ella Roy, and Elliott Roy, who is due this fall. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, fellow officers, and colleagues whose lives were touched by his friendship and service.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his stepfather, Herschell Bennett, and his grandson, Joan Gonzalez.

The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Jeff's life on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with Jeff Richards Jr., Jacob Richards, Scott Chapman, Jaxson Richards, Joel Richards, Dylan Robison, Jimmy Robison, and Lonnie Roy serving as pallbearers.

Flowers are welcome; however, for those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Jeff's memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #35, 115 West Center Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117. Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #35

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family through Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Richards family.