“Giving honor to God who is the head of my life”, Willie Richardson, 91 passed away unexpectedly, and peacefully at his residence with Theressia his wife of 72 years, by his side. He was born in Georgetown, Georgia, July 17, 1931 and died February 2, 2023, in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Family and friends are shocked and deeply saddened, but know in their hearts they’d been blessed by his life, and the memories of his humble spirit & beautiful smile.
Willie had a deep faith. He prayed on his knees at his bedside every night, over every meal, family and church event, or with anyone; from the depths of his soul and with the beautiful spirit given to him by God Almighty. You could feel his conviction during each prayer, and the strength of his relationship with God. There was gladness in those moments, followed by smiles, and a resounding “Amen” from all present.
Willie Richardson was a man of his word. A man with integrity, true humility, love of family, and he had a devotion and dedication to his wife that was beautiful to witness. He was a “man after God’s own heart”, with a wisdom that left you better for knowing him.
Willie desired to have a better education, but had to leave Connecticut in his early years of schooling to return South and live with his grandparents. At that time, he was called upon to work rather then continue his schooling in order to help support the household; and Willie did so willingly.
Willie was an active member at the two churches he attended during his lifetime. He was a faithful member of Metropolitan AME Zion Church of Hartford, Connecticut where he was a dedicated Steward, a member of the Usher Board, the Men’s Ministry and the Treasury Committee. In January 1997, Willie and Theressia relocated to Alpharetta, GA and moved their membership to St. James Methodist Church. At St. James, Willie was also a member of the Men's Usher Board, Men’s Ministry, sang in the Senior Choir, participated in the senior's ministry (CTSS), and in his later senior years, he worked a few days a week in the church , assisting with maintenance responsibilities. A task was never too small for Willie to be of service if he was able, because since he was a small boy of eight years old; his church had been a place of hope and refuge.
The devoted husband, Willie and his wife would be called upon by St. James' Couple's Ministry to offer insight and encouragement to young couples. Sharing over seven decades of marriage, there are many loving and lovely stories. One in particular was their 50th Anniversary; to see one, was to see the other. Willie and Theressia renewed their wedding vows at St. James. They were not only blessed to have family and friends witness, but had the great honor of having many church members participate to make the day even more special. A church member presented them with a special wedding cake, as well.
Willie retired from the North Judd Manufacturing Company in 1994 as a metal machinist, and a substitute water engineer, managing the toxins from local water-ways in Middletown, CT. Through the company, WIllie had the opportunity to attend a post secondary chemistry program in which it was found that he could manage the water system without fail or fines. Prior to 1994, when North Judd Manufacturing moved overseas, Willie's hard work, reliability, and dedication was rewarded. He worked on a skeleton crew and was the last person to the close the doors on the factory’s last day.
Having many hobbies, one key hobby was gardening with his wife. They were always excited about the several years they’d win “Lawn of the Month” in their community. They took pride in their lawn and gardening, along with joyfully reinvesting the cash prizes into their lovely flowers and garden beds.
Another favorite hobby was dancing. To watch Willie and Theressia dance the Jitter-bug or spin on the dance floor in complete harmony always gave viewers as much joy as it gave them. Even at the age of 84, whenever the Electric Slide was playing, Willie was skillfully up dancing!
What was most important to Willie in his life’s journey was to have his own family, and in turn, we were blessed because he had faith and a dream. Thank you Dad; until we meet again.
Willie was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Patricia Woffard; son-in-law, Craig Woffard; his youngest son, Ronnie Richardson; mother, Ruth “Sissy” Lewis; father, Eddie Richardson ll; and siblings, Sue & Walter Christian; Mary Thornton; B.J. Thornton; Walter Richardson; Saul Richardson; and Eddie Richardson lll.
He leaves behind his Beloved wife Theressia Richardson; eldest son Willie Curtis (Diane) Richardson; youngest daughter Marcia (Anthony) Nardello; five grandchildren: Qiona Woffard; Kai (Tyrone) White; Brittany Richardson; Ronnie Richardson Jr.; and Brandon (John) Grimm; two great-grandchildren: Patricia White and Isaiah White; brother Johnny (Marilynn) Richardson; and sister Daisy Christian; in addition to many other loving family members.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St. James United Methodist Church, 3000 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30009
Viewing and Visitation 10-11 am, “Celebration of Life service” 11 am
Committal service immediately to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Roswell Funeral Home, 770-993-4811
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6