Thomas Powell Richards, creator of drilling contractor Grey Wolf Inc. and founder of Richards Drilling Co., died on Sept. 21.

In 1974, he started Richards Drilling in Bay City, Texas, having previously worked for Global Marine as a driller. He also worked at Penrod Drilling Co. The company was acquired by Diamond Offshore, where he was senior vice president of operations.

He became president of DI Industries in 1996. While there he facilitated the acquisition of companies to create Grey Wolf Inc. He was chairman, president and CEO of Grey Wolf until retiring in 2008. He also served as chairman of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, becoming contractor of the year in 2002.