Bishop Richard Cruz was born Willie Richard Crews to Waymon and Evvie C. Foster Crews on October 24 2012 in Early County Georgia. After the death of his biological father years later his mother married Deacon J.C. Harvin II. He was a devoted father to him until his death in May 1995. His mother preceded him in death in May 2002.

He received his post-high-school education at Albany State College. He majored in General Education and minored in Music. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. During this time he was annointed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After returning to the United States he attended and graduated from The True House of God Apostolic Faith Bible College and was ordained to the Apostolic priesthood.

From 1962 - 1967 he pastored a church in Hawkinsville GA and married Clemetine Forrester. Some years later he moved to Fort Gaines Georgia and taught English and music in the public schools. August 5 1976 Richard was consecrated a bishop at Jud Temple of Light in Flint Michigan

November 2009 Bishop Cruz made Daytona Beach his home at Magnolia Gardens where he bonded with the other residents. The ""Angel of Death"" called his name. Richard answered to the call on May 13 2012 - ""Mother's Day"".