Julius Nathan Richardson

During his life he walked many paths. After graduating from Newberry High School in South Carolina at 17, he decided to forgo a baseball scholarship to Newberry College and seek his fortune in Nashville. While there, he was hired to play steel guitar for Eddie Arnold on the Grand Ole Opry. He also played with Grandpa Jones and many other country music artists. He toured throughout the US and while playing in Monroe, Georgia he met his “Georgia Peach”, Helen Young. They were married in a “Hillbilly Wedding” in Atlanta with over 2000 people in attendance. The young couple settled in Charlotte, NC where Nat was hired to work for WBT Radio. He played with numerous acts including the Dixie Fun Gang and The Briarhoppers.

For many years he played his music while having several “day jobs”. He sold insurance for Life & Casualty and advertising for Big Ways Radio. He developed a talent for photography and worked as a professional photographer. He was also employed by the US Postal Services for many years. He was a photographer and salesman for several trade papers including Good Cents, Car Trader and Swap-it into the early 2000’s.

Mr. Richardson was a caring and compassionate man who had a way with animals. There were always cats, dogs, and squirrels at the Richardson household, much to the delight of his four children. Although he never served in the military he was a patriot who genuinely loved his country. While not an active member of any church, Mr. Richardson read his bible every day. He believed in Jesus Christ and the life everlasting. He was an avid Atlanta Braves and Duke Blue Devils fan. He also enjoyed football, cheering on the Panthers and the Patriots, in that order.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years Helen, daughter Jessica Marcene (Marcy) Richardson and brother, Billy Richardson. He is survived by his daughter, Ginger Richardson, his son Clay Richardson and daughter-in-law, Tamara Richardson, his daughter Jana Nastase, son-in-law, Robert Nastase and grandson, Markus Nastase and his brother, Byron Richardson and sister-in-law, Valentina Richardson. Lastly he is survived by his beloved Chihuahua, Tex, his little canine “soul mate” and loving companion.