WILLIAM HOWARD "BILL" RICHARDSON

William Howard (Bill) Richardson

William Howard (Bill) Richardson, of Lynchburg died Monday, October 25, 2010. He was born April 6, 1920 in Locust Gap, PA, son of the late John H. and Laura M. Richardson.

Bill was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Jane Young Richardson. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Frank Whitehouse and his two beloved grandsons, Benjamin Record and William Bennett Whitehouse. During his final months, he was lovingly tended to by his caregiver, Emma Jones.

A selfless man who considered others at all times and never required or requested anything for himself, Bill received great pleasure in making people laugh with his never-ending supply of jokes. He adored children and was affectionately called Buddy Pop by his grandsons and neighborhood children alike. As a child raised in the Depression, he was practical and adept at repairing items, a talent that earned him the title of MacGyver Pop.

Bill served his country during WWII in the US Army 299th Coast Artillery in Sitka, AK and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Franfort Lodge, Philadelphia, PA.

Many will miss seeing Bill walk Peakland Place with his (now) ancient bassett hound, Emmi. They were perfect companions on their rambles, always agreeing on the need to stop for conversation with neighbors or a brief rest.

A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 29 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. John Scholer officiating. The family will receive friends in the church narthex following the memorial service.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider First Presbyterian Weekday School, 1215 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.