Joseph Eric Richardson, 69, of Salisbury, MD died peacefully at his home on January 17, 2026, after a nearly 20-year battle with cancer. He was born on August 10, 1956, at Madigan Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington.
Eric was a very hardworking, sweet, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He worked for Salisbury Automotive for 48 years, including 15 years managing the Snow Hill location. He continued his career as the Purchasing Agent at the main office on Roland Street in Salisbury. He was well respected by all of his coworkers and his customers.
Although he worked for three generations of the Cropper family, Bill Cropper was his mentor and a father figure. When faced with a difficult situation or task, Eric often said he would ask himself, "What would Bill Cropper do?" Eric was a man of few words, but when he spoke, others listened. He was a friend to all and was always willing to help anyone and everyone.
His hobbies included classic cars and small engine repairs, as he would thoroughly research and study problems and most of the time, fix them. He enjoyed NASCAR, reading U.S. history, and reconstructing airplane accidents. He loved music, especially gospel and old country, and spent many hours listening, which brought him happiness throughout his life.
He loved traveling, RVing, and riding old back roads with his wife. His wife often said that Eric was the kindest and most wonderful man she had ever met. She was by his side and cared for him throughout his entire journey.
Above all, Eric's love for God defined his life. He was a godly man who read his Bible, found it uplifting, and believed it to be the true Word. He was a devoted member of Allen Asbury United Methodist Church, where his church family brought him strength through their support and many prayers. Special thanks to Pastor Betsy Jones, Phyllis and Gary Vickers for their spiritual guidance, heartfelt prayers, and constant presence, which brought comfort, peace, and strength during Eric's journey.
He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis whom he was married to for 29 years; his son, Scott Richardson (Charmayne), Fredericksburg, VA; daughter, Lisa Adams Nolan, Ocean City, MD; grandchildren, Lily Nolan, Michael Richardson, and Charlotte Richardson; brother, Steve Richardson (Helene), Salisbury, MD; sister, Lori Kelley (Brian), Princess Anne, MD; and brother, Todd Richardson (Colleen), Pittsville, MD; and several nieces and nephews.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Lou Richardson, and his uncle, Allan Richardson, from Pittsville, MD.
God rest his beautiful soul, as he is now in Heaven rejoicing with those who went before him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Details regarding Eric's memorial service will be shared once finalized.
Donations are appreciated and can be made in his honor to continue the research for his rare form of cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, to the National Cancer Institute or the MDS Foundation.
Eric was a very hardworking, sweet, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He worked for Salisbury Automotive for 48 years, including 15 years managing the Snow Hill location. He continued his career as the Purchasing Agent at the main office on Roland Street in Salisbury. He was well respected by all of his coworkers and his customers.
Although he worked for three generations of the Cropper family, Bill Cropper was his mentor and a father figure. When faced with a difficult situation or task, Eric often said he would ask himself, "What would Bill Cropper do?" Eric was a man of few words, but when he spoke, others listened. He was a friend to all and was always willing to help anyone and everyone.
His hobbies included classic cars and small engine repairs, as he would thoroughly research and study problems and most of the time, fix them. He enjoyed NASCAR, reading U.S. history, and reconstructing airplane accidents. He loved music, especially gospel and old country, and spent many hours listening, which brought him happiness throughout his life.
He loved traveling, RVing, and riding old back roads with his wife. His wife often said that Eric was the kindest and most wonderful man she had ever met. She was by his side and cared for him throughout his entire journey.
Above all, Eric's love for God defined his life. He was a godly man who read his Bible, found it uplifting, and believed it to be the true Word. He was a devoted member of Allen Asbury United Methodist Church, where his church family brought him strength through their support and many prayers. Special thanks to Pastor Betsy Jones, Phyllis and Gary Vickers for their spiritual guidance, heartfelt prayers, and constant presence, which brought comfort, peace, and strength during Eric's journey.
He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis whom he was married to for 29 years; his son, Scott Richardson (Charmayne), Fredericksburg, VA; daughter, Lisa Adams Nolan, Ocean City, MD; grandchildren, Lily Nolan, Michael Richardson, and Charlotte Richardson; brother, Steve Richardson (Helene), Salisbury, MD; sister, Lori Kelley (Brian), Princess Anne, MD; and brother, Todd Richardson (Colleen), Pittsville, MD; and several nieces and nephews.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Lou Richardson, and his uncle, Allan Richardson, from Pittsville, MD.
God rest his beautiful soul, as he is now in Heaven rejoicing with those who went before him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Details regarding Eric's memorial service will be shared once finalized.
Donations are appreciated and can be made in his honor to continue the research for his rare form of cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, to the National Cancer Institute or the MDS Foundation.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Eric Richardson, please visit our flower store.
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