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Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.  Visitation is 12:30 P.M. (30 minutes prior to the service) on Saturday.

Richard James Epps, Sr., age 97, son of the late Annie and Zingle Epps was born on June 1, 1927, in Clarendon County, South Carolina.  Richard, a beloved father and grandfather, departed this earthly life on August 2, 2024. After moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, he joined First Baptist Missionary Church.  As a faithful member he was a member of the Layman League and had a passion for singing.  He was a member of several choirs.  As a member of the Robert H. Floyd Choir and the Johnson Choir, he was inspired to sing many solos.  One of his most moving feats was his rendition of "Because He Lives".  There were many other songs he loved and raised emphasis however, on how much he loved God!  Richard was married to Doris Blanks Epps who preceded him in death. He felt blessed to be employed as a longshoreman with ILA Local 1426.  He gave it his all.  He was a hard worker and made sure he became licensed to operate all of the heavy-duty equipment required for his job.  In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was also preceded in death by his son, Richard James Epps, Jr. Esq.; brothers, Booker T. Epps (Mary), Robert Epps (Helen), King David Epps, (Magnolia), Leroy Epps (Roena), Joe Lee Epps (Mary) and sister, Florence Maxwell. He is survived by: his daughter, Flora Epps Robinson (Johnny) and sons, Norman Epps (Arvis), Jerrod Rivers (Daphne) and Robert Epps; foster daughter, Stacie Travis (Detrdyva); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brothers, Walter Epps, III, Zingle Epps, Jr. and George Conyers (Mozella); sisters, Mary Bell Epps, Clara Kennedy (Joe), and Evelyn Brown (Willie); twenty nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.