THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Brenda Peace, former Henderson City Councilwoman and sister of Vance Senior High and NC State University alum and football player Andrew Vance “A.V.” Richards, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Peace described her brother, who passed away Sunday, June 14, as a “gentle giant” who left his mark on athletics and has helped shape local youth.
“A.V. was tall in stature, just a massive dude, but he was the sweetest, most easy-going person that you would have ever met,” Peace reminisced. “He had nothing but love for everybody; it didn’t matter who you were, A.V. loved you.”
A.V. Richards, Vance Senior High and NC State alum and football player, passed away June 14, 2020. He is remembered as a “gentle giant who loved everyone,” according to his sister, former Henderson City Councilwoman Brenda Peace. (Photo courtesy Brenda Peace)
Playing on both the varsity football and basketball teams while a student at Vance Senior High School in the late 70s/early 80s, Richards took his love of sports with him to NC State University. There, Richards transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle as part of the Wolfpack’s football team.
Upon graduating from NC State in 1985, Richards was drafted into the United States Football League (USFL) as a member of the Jacksonville Bulls, shortly before the league was shut down following a legal battle with the National Football League (NFL).
Returning to Henderson, Richards focused his attention on coaching and motivating youth on both the football field and in life. “A.V. has had a lot of influence on a lot of young men’s lives,” WIZS’s own Kemp Collins and life-long friend of Richards said during the Town Talk segment. “He’s in a better place now, but he left his print here, and I’m sure what he left will benefit those young men in their lifetime.”
Peace said while her brother is well-known for his athletic prowess, she will also remember the man that had a kind word and smile for everyone, in addition to being “one bad bass player.”
“Not only could he throw a football and dribble a basketball, but his fingers were magical when it came to playing music on his bass guitar,” said Peace. “As passionate as he was about football, he was just as passionate about music and people. He was a man of passion.”
To hear the interview with Peace in its entirety, including comments from special guests, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.