John B. Richardson Sr.

JOHNSONVILLE, S.C. - John Benjamin Richardson, Sr., 87, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008 in a Florence hospital. Mr. Richardson was born in Johnsonville, S.C., a son of the late Andrew Luther Richardson and the late Azalee Woodberry Richardson. He was a retired Farmer and retired from Dibrel Brothers of Danville, Va. in the Tobacco Industry. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Johnsonville American Legion Post #144 and the Johnsonville Masonic Lodge #365 and he also held many offices in the church and was a graduate of Johnsonville High School. Mr. Richardson was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II in the Pacific where he was a member of the 6th Ranger Battalion. On January 30, 1945, Mr. Richardson participated in the raid near Cabanatuan, Luzon, Philippine Islands where 500 POWs were rescued and he received the Bronze Star for his actions. Surviving are his wife, Lillian McQueen Richardson of the home; children, Andrew L. Richardson, Sr. and his wife, Elaine Gunn-Richardson of North Augusta and John B. Richardson, Jr. and his wife, Debbie Haselden Richardson both of Johnsonville, S.C.; grandchildren, Caroline Richardson (Benji) Welch of Lake City, S.C. and Andrew L. (Joni) Richardson, Jr. of Columbia, S.C.; four step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 12 step great-grandchildren; and his beloved four legged friend, Sandy. Mr. Richardson was predeceased by grandson, John B. Richardson, III; sister, Betty R. Hanna; and brother, Gale Richardson. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2008 in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Hemingway with burial in the Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Dale Johnson, 2044 Capitola Road, Johnsonville, S.C. 29555. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com