John Richardson

John Arthur Richardson, III WINSTON-SALEM - On Sunday, September 7, 2014, John Arthur Richardson, III stepped through the gates of Heaven after a courageous battle against cancer at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. John was born in Winston-Salem to the late John A. Richardson, Jr. and LaDeen Peters Richardson. He grew up in Charlotte, graduating from East Mecklenburg High School. John attended his beloved Wake Forest University and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill where he continued to cheer for Wake Forest. After teaching history for several years and then as a salesman in his father's food distribution company, John returned to Wake Forest to attend law school. After graduation, he practiced law for 26 years in Winston-Salem. John loved his Lord, his family, his country and Wake Forest University. He is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; his daughter, Rebecca (Mark) Madej of Charlotte; stepdaughter, Stacey (Jeremy) Oxendine of Advance; stepson, Marc (Stefanie) Williams of Maryville, TN. He cherished his grandchildren, Ella Madej and Benjamin Madej and his step grandsons, Zachary Oxendine and Ryan Oxendine. His extended family included sisters-in-law, Virginia (David) Abbott of Mt. Airy, GA and Linda Just of Fall River, MA; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. John was a honorable man who treated everyone with respect and compassion. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. John was passionate about many things, but especially his love for Wake Forest University. Black and Gold and the Demon Deacon emblems were everywhere in his home and office. He also loved the New York Yankees and followed them avidly. John was also a published author of Musings of a Middle Aged Father as well as two historical fiction novels. A Celebration of John's life will be held Friday, September 12, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Old Town Baptist Church, 4386 Shattalon Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. Family will receive friends after the service. Guests are invited to wear Black and Gold to honor John's passion for the Demon Deacons. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com. A special thank you to Dr. Franklin Chen, Dr. Lisa Evans and Dr. Nicholas Robinson for their care of John this year. To the staff of Medical Park Hospital, Forsyth Hospital and Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, and Scott and Beth, your care and compassion assisted John to a peaceful transition.