Roger C. "Red" Richardson, Jr.

“So I am not the one living now – it is Christ living in me.  I still live in my body but I live by faith in the Son of God. He is the one who loved me and gave himself to save me.” Galatians 2:20

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, God called his good and faithful servant home. Job well done Roger Campbell Richardson, Jr. affectionately known as “RED”.

Roger Campbell “Red” Richardson, Jr. was born on September 8, 1953, to Roger “Clucky” (affectionately known as “Brokey”) Richardson, Sr. and Vashti Graves Richardson. Roger was born and raised on the Delectable Heights of Petersburg, VA, (Saint Matthews & Virginia Avenue).  He was a graduate of Petersburg High School (PHS) Class of 1971. After graduating high school, Roger received a certificate in welding from John Tyler Community Community College (Bridgepoint Community College) and he attended the Virginia State University (formerly Virginia State College). Roger worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Plant in Petersburg, VA and also the Virginia Department of Highway & Transportation (VDHT) as a toll collector.

While working full-time, Roger started his entrepreneurial journey in which he drove Boulevard Taxi Cab with his dad.  He was also a marketing representative with Amway Corporation in which he traveled the Southeastern section of the U.S. extensively showing like-minded individuals the Amway blueprint “The Plan” for earning five and six figures income(s). Roger shared his learned Amway business knowledge with his younger brothers and sister at home and spoke with other family members, longtime friends about becoming successful in life and the ability to have achieve financial freedom each day.   

Roger affectionately known as, “Red” or “Nitty”, “Nitty Red”, “Big Daddy”, “Jaws”, and “Fart Doctor” was well-known, well loved, and well respected by all. He never met a stranger as he greeted all with a handshake, poked in the belly, fist bump, and a hello “What’s-Up”.

Roger was the father-figure to his five younger siblings, taking time to assist with helping out with tying a tie, driving a stick shift (manual drive), driving to and from work, getting a new job, and sending money to college for his brother/sister. He also was a father-like figure to many younger guys from the Delectable Heights Community. He was meticulous, detail orientated, and a super-sharp dresser.

Roger was a warrior, very strong-willed and determined to be successful in life while helping out his mother “Vashti”.  Roger assisted “Mom” with a lot growing up even while dating his longtime girlfriend; including everything from paying bills, to buying groceries for the entire house.  Roger, as the big brother provided motivation to his younger brothers and sister at home with words of being “confident in yourself” and “never stop believing in your dreams”,

Roger continued to show his blessings, strength, and motivation even after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during an attempted robbery on July 2, 1990 (when medical professionals believed that Roger would never walk again).  Despite the medical professionals diagnosis, Roger was walking within four months (in November 1990), and in February 1991. Roger walked out of Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Center without any assistance from medical devices or individuals.  Roger continued to progress after his rehabilitation with his mother by his side. He continued to travel (Las Vegas 2000), attended family numerous family gatherings, attend PHS football and basketball games with his brothers (Kyle and Steve), and activities at his younger brother Tim’s house. He enjoyed attending cookouts and holiday parties, several local church events with mother and younger sister Cheryl and getting haircuts twice a month. He also looked forward to attending physical therapy appointments, dental appointments, and physician appointment with his mother. Roger “Red” was the “Best Man” at his younger brother Bruce and Zorana Richardson wedding. Roger looked forward to attending VSU sporting events because of his appreciation for all sports but especially football and basketball.  Most of all Roger enjoyed being around Family and Friends, each and every day.

Roger dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA. He attended church faithfully and could be spotted on the front row every Sunday until his health declined. He was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” at Zion Baptist Church both  1992 and 1999 (the only twice awardee at Zion).

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Roger C, Richardson, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Norman and Mable Richardson and maternal grandparents,Ulysses Graves, Sr. and Vashti Graves; sister-in-law, Gloria Richardson and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Roger leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved and super-devoted mother, Vashti Graves Richardson; siblings; Kyle, Steve, Cheryl, devoted brother, Bruce (Zorana), and Tim (Pam), four nieces and nephews, Krista, Tequishia, Qumar, and Bruce Sean Richardson, Jr., and two great nieces, Chasiti Baker and Faith Richardson; one great nephew, Braylen Baker; and a host of cousins and lifelong friends too numerous to name.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA., the Rev. Delano Douglas, Interim Pastor, officiating and Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 1, 2024, at the funeral establishment.

Donations may be made to “The Mill House, Clubhouse for Survivors of Brain Injury”, 7812 Shrader Road, Henrico, VA 23294, direct phone donations (804) 261-7050 in memory of Roger C. Richardson, Jr.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.