~Acknowledgement ~
The family of Willie Earl Richardson, Sr. would like to express our gratitude for the many acts of kindness extended to us during the illness and demise of our loved one. Your uplifting words, unrelenting support, as well as your fervent prayers have given us the strength to continue to praise God in all circumstances. The Family extends special thanks to Mr. Richardson’s extraordinary Nephrologist, Dr. Bobby Kelley, and the staff of DaVita Dialysis Center East for providing him with superior medical care and support. We also thank Almighty God for Dr. C. J. Bryant, III and the Vollintine Baptist Church family a lifetime of love.
I Felt An
Angel
~The Richardson Family
I felt an angel near today, though one I could not see I felt an angel oh so close, sent to comfort me I felt an angel’s kiss, soft upon my cheek And oh, without a single word of caring did it speak I felt an angel’s loving touch, soft upon my heart And with that touch, I felt the pain and hurt within depart I felt an angel’s tepid tears, fall softly next to mine And knew that as those tears did dry a new day would be mine I felt an angel’s silken wings enfold me with pure love And felt a strength within me grow, a strength sent from above I felt an angel oh so close, though one I could not see I felt an angel near today, sent to comfort me.
Loving You Always,
Betty Dad,
~Honorary Pallbearers ~
Kenneth Bolton Michael Buckley
~Active Pallbearers ~
Mark Austin Anthony Scott Antonio Jones Derrick Woodard Gaston Jones Maurice Woodard Jimmie Mohead Steven Wright
~Interment & Committal Rites ~ Friday, August 12, 2016 - 12:30 P.M. The Historic Elmwood Cemetery 824 S. Dudley St. Memphis, Tennessee 38104
~Repast ~
No words can express the void you’ve left in our hearts. You were such an important part of our lives. You have always guarded, protected and provided for your children, and for this we are eternally grateful. On Aug. 5, 2016, God posted a position in the Heavenly Chronicle for a gate keeper to stand guard over the gates of heaven. God also added, “Only the best qualified need apply.” You know this position had Willie Earl Richardson’s name written all over it. So you applied, were interviewed and accepted the position immediately. Dad stand guard at your new security post dressed in white with a new set of wings. We will see you again.
Love always, Candance, Tonya, and Willie E. Richardson Jr.
Larry Graham James Williams
Vollintine Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
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Remembering Earl
Willie Earl Richardson, Sr.
, the eldest child and only son of the late Gaston and Annie Mae Richardson, began his life on March 1, 1952. Although he was born at the home of his great-grandparents, Jimmie and Fannie Stafford, in Grenada County Mississippi, Earl was a lifetime resident of Memphis, TN. Earl began his spiritual journey at age eleven at the Vollintine Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend W. M. Fields, Jr. He continued his relationship with his church under the leadership of Dr. C.J. Bryant, III. A 1971 graduate of Northside High School, Earl had the gift of gab and a wicked wit. Armed with intelligence and humor, he could win any round of “joneing, dissing, or playing the dozens.” His command of the English language allowed him to easily switch his conversation from “street to discreet” depending on his audience. An aspiring singer, Earl also loved music and participated in various choirs and talent shows. He loved to reminisce about his group, the Conceptions, performing as the opening act for the Isley Brothers in the early seventies. Earl continued to sing publicly in various R & B and Gospel groups well into his forties. However, providing for his family took precedence over a singing career. A 19-year-old husband and father, Earl began his tenure at Baptist Memorial Hospital as a hospital attendant. He later began working in the Security Department where he earned the respect of his peers, as well as his supervisors. After almost 44 years of dedicated service, Earl retired in 2014 as Captain of Security at Baptist College of Health Sciences. Earl was happily married to Betty Jean Austin Richardson for 26 years. Betty lavished Earl with love and attention and “spoiled him” shamefully. Earl often expressed his love for Betty, his children, and their entire blended family. His family and her family were theirs collectively. In fact, he unabashedly extended love to all of his relatives and friends. Although Earl had been battling health issues for the past nine years, he endured and his faith never faltered. Because of his faithfulness, God rewarded Earl with a deeper knowledge and understanding of His Holy Word. He was transformed into a person who was more humble and less egotistic; more forgiving and less vengeful; more loving and less judgmental. Each precious day, he greeted with exhortations of praise and thanksgiving. His entire family, especially his sisters, loved and revered Earl, for he is the bravest man we know. On August 5, 2016, at Baptist Memorial Hospital East, God discharged His servant from battle, and he transitioned into eternity. Willie Earl Richardson, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory an adoring wife, Betty Richardson: 4 caring children; daughters, Candance Wallace (Keith), Tonya Richardson, Lisa Carr (Henry) and son, Willie Earl Richardson, Jr. all of Memphis, TN: three devoted sisters; Mary Mohead (Osker) of Ellenwood, GA; Jessie Jones, and Suzette Richardson of Memphis, TN: 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a host of host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Order of Service
I’m Free
Friday, August 12, 2016 • 11:00 AM
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God has laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all.
Vollintine Baptist Church
4181 New Allen Road • Memphis, TN 38128
Dr. C.J. Bryant, III ~Officiating~
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at close of day.
Processional...................................................................................Final View
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Selection.......................................................................................Mass Choir
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now. HE SET ME FREE!
Scripture Reading: Old Testament/New Testament.........................Minister Linda Woods
Prayer...............................................................................Rev. Anthony Jones
C
herished Memories
Solo.....................................................................................Christopher Scott
Reflections
Respectfully, Three Minutes
Friend.....................................................Michael Buckley Neighbor...................................................James Williams Co-Worker...................................................Phillip Griggs Family..................................................Cornelius Stafford Selection.......................................................................................Mass Choir Poem....................................................................................... Larry Graham Acknowledgements..................................................................Mary Williams Solo..................................................................................Dr. C. J. Bryant, III Eulogy..............................................................................Dr. C. J. Bryant, III Recessional