Harold Beland "Spec" Richardson

1922 - 2016

Harold Beland "Spec"
Richardson
October 27, 1922-
April 12, 2016
Columbus, GA- Columbus, GA - Harold Beland "Spec" Richardson, 93, of Columbus, Georgia went to be with the Lord and join his beloved wife of over 60 years, Tommye, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in The Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016 In Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road chapel with Rev. Dan McMinn officiating. Interment will follow in Parkhill Cemetery.
Mr. H. B. "Spec" Richardson was born October 27, 1922 in Harris County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Walker F. Richardson and Vera Mae Moore Richardson. He graduated from Jordan High School, Columbus, Georgia. Spec began his career in management at Jordan and was inducted in their Hall of Fame for managing the basketball team.
Spec enlisted in the Navy in June of 1942 and served as a gunner mate on the US Carroll Destroyer Escort 171. He loved his country and served proudly during World War II.
He had a very successful baseball career that began in 1946 managing concessions at Golden Park, where the Cardinals had a farm team. Through dedication and hard work, he became the General Manager of the Houston Astros and oversaw the construction of the Astrodome. He then became General Manager of the San Francisco Giants and was named Major League Executive of the Year in 1978.
Spec loved all sports and enjoyed going fishing with friends. He was devoted to his family and his friends and was an advisor to many. He was a faithful member of Bigham Chapel United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Tommye Chapman Richardson, and four brothers, Render Alvin Richardson, Walker F. Richardson, Guy Richardson and James Richardson.
Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia "Cindy" Ruth Venturelli of San Mateo, CA.; one grandson, Harrell Raymond Casey, Jr. (Jenny Brady) of San Mateo, CA; three granddaughters, Marjorie Ruth Casey of San Jose, CA, Harmony Lynn Venturelli of Livermore, CA, and Brittany Dawn Venturelli of San Mateo, CA. He is also survived by a special niece, Ruth Durham Chadwick (Mike) of Hamilton, GA.
The family would like to thank his many friends and extended family for all your kindness, love and support, especially since the loss of his wife, Tommye. Also, a very special thank you to his caregivers who were like family to him, Faye Lathan and Janet Buck. He greatly appreciated every gesture and loved each of you dearly.
Flowers will be accepted, but those so desiring may make memorial contributions to Bigham Chapel United Methodist Church, Fortson, GA or the Valley Rescue Mission, Columbus, GA.