Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Samuel Richardson Obituary
Samuel Randolph Richardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather “Paw-Paw”, great-grandfather, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, at the age of 78. Born to Loman C Richardson and Carmen Frye Richardson on January 16, 1946, Sam was a long-time resident of the community he so deeply cherished.
Sam’s legacy of service began with a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, and Air National Guard, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his nation. His dedication continued with over 46 years of volunteer service with the Boiling Springs City Fire Department, as well as active involvement in the American Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, and Cleveland County REACT organization. Sam was also an enthusiastic member of the Amateur Radio Club, CCars, and was known for his skill and passion as an Amateur Radio Operator.
In addition to his military and community service, Sam was a devoted family man. He was married to his loving wife, Dottie, for 47 years. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication. Sam was the proud father of Michelle Jeffries (Wayne), Jay Richardson (DeeDee), and Jeremy Richardson (Alisha). He was also a cherished Paw-Paw to 13 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 9 great-grandchildren. Sam is further survived by several cousins who held a special place in his heart.
Sam’s passion for service extended to his involvement with the New Salem Methodist Church, where he found joy in singing with the choir. His love for model railroads and his career as a long-haul truck driver showcased his diverse interests and his passion for life.
Sam Richardson lived a life marked by unwavering dedication to God, his family, community, and country. His spirit of service and his warm presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home.
A memorial service honoring Sam’s remarkable life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at New Salem Methodist Church with Rev. Marsha Bristow officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Cleveland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Salem Methodist Church and the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue.
Online condolences can be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the Richardson Family.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Richardson
Michael Sams Jr.
January 9, 2025
Sam's callsign was WA4BPW, and he was always a welcomed voice to hear on the air.
The year, 1996.
I looked forward to talking with him as he had a distinct voice , a kind demeanor and a good sense of humor.
His voice will be missed on the amateur radio airwaves.
Appreciated, admired and respected.
Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences and sympathies we extend to the family.
Ronald Lawrence
January 4, 2025
Wonderful father, spouse and a good person!
Susan Messer
August 29, 2024
The staff of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills is thinking of you and your family.
Susan Messer
Bereavement Volunteer
Dawn Crissman Johnson
August 23, 2024
To the Family of Sammy Richardson..my family grew up with him in Boonville,N.C...he was a smart and kind person..His Mother, Carmen Richardson taught my Sister Judy Crissman (Kiser), myself Dawn Crissman (Johnson) , my sister Daphne Crissman (Trent) and my brother Fleming Crissman piano and voice for 10 years at Sammy 's home..we watched him grow up on our church Boonville United Methodist Church where his mother played the Piano and Organ for over 50 years..
Our prayers are with all your family and we send our love and prayers..
GREG-WANDA HORNE
August 21, 2024
Sam was a longtime Amateur Radio friend for over 30 years. I will miss him as a friend and as well as his spirit of helping people....73 my friend
Joyce Harrelson
August 20, 2024
Dottie I am so sorry. My prayers are with you and your
Kathy Rollins
August 19, 2024
So sorry for your loss
Vickey Cakabrese
August 19, 2024
To Dottie and the family I am so very sorry for the very loss of your husband I love you and I know this will be hard I'm still going through it but I pray things will get better and I am praying that things will get easier for you I'm so glad you shared your life with Sam what a wonderful beautiful life but God be with you I know that I love you and I'm praying for you and the family with deepest sympathy Vicky Calabrese
Marcella Yox
August 19, 2024
Uncle Sam was a great man, and a true pillar of the community. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to my Aunt Dottie, her children and all the family.
Terri and Kelsey McCurry
August 19, 2024
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this, Sam was an awesome guy. I knew he was a dedicated volunteer fireman for many years but didn’t realize he was so active in so many different branches of service. Love and prayers for you family.♥
Roxanne Rabb
August 19, 2024
he was such a wonderful man. Beloved by his family. The family are in my thoughts and prayers
Jay Flora
August 19, 2024
Iam so Sorry about Sam He was a Good Man Me and the Members of Cleveland County REACT will miss Him and I will miss Talking to Him on the Amateur Radio Sam is now Resting with God Looking Down on His Family and to Dot and Family Prayers and God Bless You all from Jay Flora and all Members of Cleveland County REACT.
Priscilla Walker
August 19, 2024
Always devoted to God, Family, and Country! Well done good and faithful servant.
TJ Stocker
August 19, 2024
Sam was always so gentle and kind when our family would visit. His voice and laughter could fill up the room with life and love. Even thirty year old memories seem so fresh when remembering your husband. Aunt Dottie, we are praying for you in this time of grief, and celebrating Uncle Sam going home to the Lord Jesus. Sending love and prayers from Texas.
(PS, I never knew Sam served our country - he will be forever remembered for his service and sacrifice, and I will dedicate my remaining years in the service towards carrying on Uncle Sam's memory and legacy. God bless.)
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Samuel Richardson's name
Memorial Events
for Samuel Richardson
Aug
21
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC 28150-4208
Funeral services provided by:
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC 28150-4208
How to support Samuel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Samuel Richardson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
