Millard Richburg

Millard Richburg, Jr. was the eldest of five children and only son born to the late Millard Fillmore Richburg and Forest Iona Buie Richburg on May 3, 1949 in Baltimore, MD. He departed this earthly life on March 22, 2021 surrounded by family.

How he was addressed depended on how/where you met him. He was Junior to his family. He was Simba to his college friends, in-laws and church family. He was Richburg/Burg to his co-workers. No matter what you called him, he was always inviting and friendly and greeted you with a smile.

Simba was educated in the Baltimore City School System. He graduated from Edmondson Westside High School in 1967. After high school, Simba attended Morgan State University where he met and fell in love with Karen Talloria Plummer. Early in their courtship, Simba was drafted into the Army on January 29, 1971. He was honorably discharged on June 1, 1972 attaining the rank of Sergeant. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his return, Simba and Karen reunited and continued to develop their relationship and were united in holy matrimony on July 17, 1976. They were the epitome of what a loving and caring marriage should be and were the example that many aspired to be. You very rarely saw one without the other. From this loving union three children were born; Zakia, Khary and Khoran.

Simba began working for the Mass Transit Administration Police Force on August 10, 1973. He rose through the ranks serving as Acting Deputy Chief and Acting Chief and retired on March 31, 2009 as Major. Simba was well-respected and was known for speaking truth to power. In his younger days, he participated in the Force, playing basketball and football with fellow co-workers.

Simba was a very loving and supportive father and grandfather; not only to his children and grandchildren but to many who didn't know what a father should be. Nieces, nephews, family friends and dozens of boys from Bentalou Recreation Center considered him their father. He was front and center for any recitals, performances, ceremonies and the many sporting events especially basketball games. While at sporting events, you could hear his commanding voice above all in the crowded gyms cheering them on. They could count on him for any and everything they needed, advice, moral support, a ride and often money. He wanted all to know that they were special and worthy of more.

Simba loved the Lord and became a member of Stewarttown United Methodist Church, now Goshen United Methodist Church, over 40 years ago. He has served as Administrative Board Chair, Trustee and sang on both the Mass Choir and Gospel Ministry singing lead on various songs. His deep baritone voice was so smooth. He supported and participated in many church functions and initiatives.

Simba absolutely adored his twin grandchildren, Aisha and Amaya. You could often find them snuggled underneath of him while watching TV or movies. He loved supporting them in concerts and grandparents' day at school.

Simba had a special relationship with his son-in-love, Kevin. They were alike in so many ways. They both are gentle giants. The two of them loved sharing exotic snacks and foods in the middle of the night and had many conversations.

Simba's passing was a very hard pill to swallow. Far too many people to count have spoken about his dedication, loving nature, and uplifting spirit. He was definitely one of a kind and we will forever miss his bright smile and quiet spirit.

Simba leaves to cherish many fond memories, his loving wife of 44 years, Karen; devoted daughter and son-in-love, Zakia and Kevin Holloway; faithful sons, Khary and Khoran Richburg; caring grand-daughters, Aisha and Amaya Richburg; doting mother, Forest Iona Buie Richburg; three sisters, Deborah Crosby, Gwendolyn Parker and Dimetria Richburg; sister-in-love, Pamela Plummer Matthews; three brothers-in-love, John Crosby, Joseph Parker and Mark Matthews; 5 nieces; 7 nephews; 14 great-nieces; 8 great-nephews; one great-great nephew; two great-great nieces; one uncle, Leodis Buie; 2 aunts, Susie Buie and Laura Collins; 4 God-children, Carroline Lansinger, Danielle Hinton, Titus Gibson, Catherine Bonaparte and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Millard Fillmore Richburg; sister, Patricia Richburg; sister-in-love D. Allynne Plummer; father and mother-in-love Allen and Alethea Plummer and nephew, Anthony Covington.