Herb Richardson was born in Livingston, Texas where he attended Livingston High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he served during World War II. Upon returning home, he began his post-secondary education at Tyler Junior College where he was a scholarship athlete earning an Associate Degree, and numerous awards including Men's Basketball All-American and National Champion. After graduating TJC, he continued his education at the University of Houston where he proudly represented the Cougars on the Men's Basketball Team. There he received a Bachelor's degree in History and Kinesiology.

Supporting his family led him to Mount Pleasant & Van High Schools as Head Boys Basketball Coach and Teacher for a combination of 5 years. Known as "Coach Rich", Herb's career quickly advanced to the college level taking on the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach of Tyler Junior College under Coach Wagstaff. After seven years, he transitioned into the role of Counselor but soon rejoined the basketball program, however this time, as Head Coach of the Lady Apaches. It is in this role that Coach Rich truly excelled even taking teams to numerous National Basketball Tournaments.

He retired from TJC in 1983 but soon returned to the Head Coaching position for one final year before hanging up his whistle for good. In exchange, in 1995, TJC hung their prestigious Circle of Honor Gold Jacket across his shoulders in honor of the legacy that he'd created while serving young people for 32 years.