William Edgar Richardson

William E. Richardson was born in Malvern, Ohio on November 16, 1936 to John and Alma Richardson. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Waynesburg, Ohio where he attended and graduated from Waynesburg High School. While at Waynesburg High, he played basketball, football, baseball, ran track and was a member of the band. He attended Ohio University before transferring to Kansas University.

While attending a McKinley football game, he met and fell in love with Janet Auvil. Their marital journey began on May 14, 1958. They have six wonderfully balanced children, thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Bill’s love for the drums and music continued when he began playing for the group now known as the OJay’s. Bill performed as a drummer in his band called the Madadores with his long-time friend Pete Porrazzo as the bass player. Bill sang in Asbury Chapel’s male chorus and the male chorus at L.I.F.E. Ministries.

Bill is one to take full advantage of every opportunity. Bill worked for Whitacre-Greer Fireproofing Company. In 1959, he began working in the construction field for the State of Ohio. His outstanding work efforts did not go unnoticed. He was offered a position as Construction Foreman with Miller Excavating Company where his work ethics resulted in his advancement to Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and then Cost Manager. Bill then worked for Beaver Excavating where he remained for nearly 16 years. After several decades of working for others, Bill endeavored to start his own firm. He was the owner and CEO of R & W Contracting & Excavating, Inc. from 1975 to 1990. His company has performed work in all states surrounding Ohio. Through the years and his efforts, he has earned the respect and confidence of all governmental entities and various businesses throughout the State. Upon dissolving R & W, he continued as General Manager of TAB Construction Company (owned by his son, William “Buster” Richardson, III) and Andrell, Inc. (owned by his daughter, Andrea Richardson).

Understanding the need to provide genuine opportunities for young people to acquire employment experience and skills, he has hired and trained many young people over the years, including his own children and nephews who continued to be active in the construction field. Some of the young people he has trained continued to work for him, others have started their own businesses, but all have given credit to Bill for giving them their start.

Bill is quick to credit the Lord for all his success and has invested his life giving of himself. Bill loved his Church and his town. He was a faithful member of Asbury Chapel AME Church where he held one of the highest positions, Steward, for over thirty years; was the Church Treasurer and Sunday School Superintendent. In 1975, Asbury Chapel was completely destroyed by fire. With a small congregation mostly on fixed incomes, it seemed impossible to rebuild. Bill took on the task (with a large nudge from his mother) to rebuild the edifice he worshipped in. Bill’s devotion and contributions to the structure and function of Asbury Chapel AME Church are a matter of record. This passion and dedication to Christ carried forward to the ultimate formation of LIFE Ministries International Church where he joined in August 2007. He was then ordained as Deacon and served until his illness.

Bill served over 14 years as Councilman with the Village of Waynesburg and has dedicated his time and resources to both his town and church. Other public affiliations include: member of the American Society of Highway Engineers, member of the Waynesburg Area Business Association, member of the Stark County Regional Planning Commission, Board Member of the Canton Urban League, member of the National Business League, member of the National Minority Contractors Association, member of the National 8(a) Contractors Association, Board Member of the Stark County Community Action Agency, member of the State of Ohio Minority Business Enterprise program.

In spite of the obstacles placed before him, Bill’s success, over time, has been appropriately recognized, honored, awarded, and endorsed. He has earned the admiration and respect from all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Janet (Auvil); parents, John and Alma (Jordan) Richardson; brothers, John “Brutz,” and Dr. Thomas M. Richardson; sisters, Lucille, Velia, Eleanor, and Mary Ann. He leaves to cherish his memory: children, Tonia Davis, Billie Richardson, Terri (David) Kinlow, Andrea Richardson, Mary (Dennis) Scott, and William III (Holly); sister, Louise (Richardson) Biggums; sister-in-law, Dr. Diana Richardson; grandchildren, Duane (Shena), Amanda, Jessica, Rachel (James), Christina, Darius, Miah, Kevin, Dennis, Matthew, Grace, Emily, Amelia, and Ava; a host of great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, and the entire Stark County Community who loved him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at L.I.F.E. Ministries International Church, 2651 Market Avenue N, Canton, Ohio on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.