Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ceremony topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Durham commissioners honor Judge Willis P. Richard with resolution
Summary
The board read and adopted a resolution honoring the life and public service of Judge Willis P. Richard (born 05/24/1940; died 11/18/2025), citing his legislative and judicial career and support for the Durham County library's North Carolina Collection.
The Durham Board of County Commissioners read a resolution honoring Judge Willis P. Richard and his long record of public service. Commissioner Wendy Jacobs read the resolution, which recounted Judge Richard's birth on May 24, 1940, his service in the North Carolina House and Senate, his time on the Court of Appeals and the state Supreme Court, leadership at Campbell University's law school, authorship of historical biographies, and sustained support for the Durham County Main Library's North Carolina Collection.
Jennifer Richard Ritz, Judge Richard's daughter, thanked the board and said, "Dad loved Durham. And the library very, very much." Commissioners Michelle Burton and Wendy Jacobs offered personal tributes, describing Judge Richard as thorough, a mentor to many young people, and a passionate supporter of libraries and civil-rights work. The board adopted the ceremonial resolution and invited family members to speak.
