Benjamin Phil Richardson

Phil is survived by his wife, Martha; brother, Robert (Estelle); sister-n-law, Betty; stepchildren Kelly Polito (Tony); Ken Frazier (Marjorie); Grandchildren Ben, Kelley, Leigh, Lisa, Ellen and Kristi; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Sylvia; son, Phil Lanier; daughter, Katrina; parents, Griffith and Ruth Richardson; sisters Rebecca Richardson Parker and Doris Richardson Airy; brother, James Richardson.

A native of LaGrange, Georgia, Phil attended the public schools of LaGrange before enrolling at Auburn University where he graduated in 1950.

After graduation, Phil embarked upon a long and distinguished career with ALFA Insurance Company (then Alabama Farm Bureau). He began his career as a data processing manager and was ultimately named Executive Vice President of Operations in 1978. During his tenure, ALFA grew from nine home office employees and 10,000 policies to over 2,500 employees and more than a million policies. He was a tireless worker who set high expectations for employees and the company. His conservative management led to superior financial strength ratings for the ALFA company year after year. Phil retired from ALFA in 1997 but continued to serve on the Board of Directors of ALFA until 2008 when the publicly traded company was purchased by ALFA’s mutual companies.

Phil was a respected leader in the insurance industry, serving as a Board member and a Chairman of the National Association of Independent Insurances. He also served on the Board of Directors of Conference Casualty Insurance Company, AmSouth Bancorporation and First National Bank of Cobb County, Georgia.

Phil was an avid fan and supporter of Auburn University where he established a merit scholarship fund that will be continued into perpetuity. He served on the 1996-1997 Auburn Board of Trustees. He was also a champion of many charitable causes, especially those related to children. He was a strong leader in the Montgomery United Way, resulting in nearly 100% participation by ALFA employees. He served as President and District Governor of the Exchange Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery YMCA and President and Board Member of the Montgomery Children’s Center.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26th at 11am at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery with Dr. R. Lawson Bryan and Dr. Karl Stegall officiating. Preceding the service, the family will welcome friends for visitation at 10am.

Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church or to the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Fund.