John Raymond Richardson

Charlotte – John Raymond Richardson, 82, passed away on December 6, 2015 at CMC Pineville. He was born June 9, 1933 in Knoxville, Tennessee, a son of the late Allen T. Richardson and Elsie Mae Lawing Richardson. John was raised in Charlotte, NC, living in Dilworth, and attended O'Donoghue Catholic School. After serving in the United States Army, John worked for Chrysler Corporation, and later retired from the Mecklenburg County ABC system after many years of service. He enjoyed traveling, spending time at his house at Holden Beach, and dancing with his wife Beverly and his many friends at the Charlotte Shag Club. John served in a number of positions in the club and loved transporting the club’s line dance team, the Carolina Girls, to competitions and events. He rarely missed the clubs SOS retreats to the beach. Known affectionately as "Paw Paw" by his grandchildren, "Mr. John" to Beverly’s children and grandchildren, and Johnny to his friends, he was a kind, hardworking man who was always willing to help anyone and never shied away from hard work.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) of 47 years; sisters, Betty Wade and Nancy Kendall; and his brother, Charles Richardson.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Holmes Richardson; his children, Kimberly Richardson Templeton (Stephen) of Savannah, GA and Michael Richardson (Carolyn) of Charlotte; grandchildren, Betsy Templeton Cardenas, Nicholas Richardson, Rachel Richardson and Caitlin Richardson; Beverly’s children, Wendy Holmes Peterson (Randy) and Jeff Holmes (Stacy), and her grandchildren, Griffin Peterson, Colton Peterson, Natalie Holmes, Harrison Holmes; brothers, Michael Richardson, Russell Richardson; and sisters, Ann Layman, Beatrice Richardson Karns and Barbara Richardson Wycoff.

A funeral to honor John’s life will be held at Providence United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 PM. The family will receive visitors at a reception in the Church atrium following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 37269, Charlotte, NC 28237-7269.