William Richardson

William Richardson

PINEHURST — William "Bill" James Nelson Richardson, 75, of Pinehurst, formerly of Washington, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2014, at Manor Care Health Services in Pinehurst.

The funeral will be 3 p.m. Sunday at McNeill Mackie Funeral Home in St. Pauls. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery in St. Paul's.

Born in Atlanta on March 31, 1938, to the late Janie McIntyre and James Berkin Richardson, he was raised in the Robeson County community of Rex, graduating from St. Pauls High School in 1957. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Jo McGugan on Dec. 21, 1958.

Graduating from the Selenia Business College as an industrial engineer, he began his career at Burlington Industries in Raeford, followed by 30 years of service to National Spinning Company. He served in many capacities, working in the Whiteville plant from 1963 to 1969 before moving to the Washington, N.C., plant. RicharBill was a member of the Army National Guard. He served on the Board of Beaufort County Nursing Home and volunteered his time with the Board of Elections. He served as an usher for several years at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington. Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing poker. He also enjoyed family gatherings at the lake, the beach and on holidays.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo M. Richardson; his sister and brother-in-law, Lydia and Ronald Blackburn; and his aunt, Ruby Coker.

He is survived by his children, Debra R. Johnson and her spouse Dr. Michael Johnson of Goldsboro, Cindy R. Sayce and her spouse Karl Sayce of Pinehurst, and Bobby Richardson and his spouse Amy Richardson of Marietta, Ga. Papa was very proud of each of his grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson of Kansas City, Mo.; Jamie Johnson Harford of Raleigh;Jackie Johnson of High Point;, Katie Sayce of Charleston, S.C.;Sarah Sayce of Pinehurst; and Kyle and Kate Richardson of Marietta, Ga..

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated and memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 211 W. Second St., Washington, N.C., 27889, or to the Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, N.C., 28374, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.mcneillmackiefuneralhome.com.

Special thanks to all of the caregivers at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital who cared for him during recent hospital admissions and to the staff at ManorCare who provided care and comfort during the last 10 days.

Arrangements by McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls.