Willie L. Richardson

Jackson

Jackson State Legend Willie L. Richardson, died quietly at his home in Jackson, MS, on Monday, February 8, 2016.

Richardson, 76, was born in Clarksdale, MS, grew up in Greenville and graduated from Coleman High School.

Some would say he was among the top three professional receivers Mississippi has produced, along with Lance Alworth and Jerry Rice.

His success paved the way for other professional football players.

He was a man who finished his football career, coached at Morgan State University for three years and moved home to Mississippi when the late, A.C. Butch Lambert asked him if he wanted to come home during his induction to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1979.

He became Director of Enforcement in the Weight Division of the Mississippi State Tax Commission, December 1980.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 50 years, Earline O. Richardson; daughter, Sonji Boyce (Hutch); son, Willie L. Richardson III (Penni); and daughter, Shawn E. Terry all of Memphis, TN; three brothers; and one sister; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, February 12, 2016, Westhaven Funeral Home 8a-5p. Family hour 6-8p at The Rose McCoy Building Jackson State University.

Memorial service: Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11am, New Hope Baptist Church, 5202 Watkins Drive, Jackson, MS 39206.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Richardson

47 Entries

Jamie

December 19, 2022

I worked with Willie at mdot and he was one of the nicest people you ever want to meet and we become good friends he was outgoing and funny and like to joke around and I could always go in his office and he would stop what he was doing and he said sit down and talk to him and he showed me his pic when he played for the colts and talked about football i was really shocked to hear he had pass he will be surely missed rip my friend

OMT

March 21, 2016

May you accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. Words can't replace the pain and heartache you are experiencing at this time. May you find a measure of comfort from the promises found in Gods Word. (Hosea 13:14)

Elena

March 19, 2016

A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth -Ecc 7:1

V. Wilson

March 14, 2016

I am sorry to hear of the loss Willie Richardson. May you continue to feel the comfort and support of friends and fans. Also remember that God helps us through difficult times. Ps. 55:22

Tyrone Byrd

March 11, 2016

Sorry to hear about the loss of Willie. May God give the family strength, courage and faith.

I would like to connect with Ernest. He and I played on the New England Colonials of the ACFL.

Call me at 713 408 9303

God Bless,
Tyrone Byrd

Sidney JONES

March 5, 2016

My sincere condolences at times such as this , few words of comfort maybe all that you can bear so rely on God of all comfort and he will comfort you every morning in times of distress Isaiah 33:2.

Battle family

March 4, 2016

Earline and family, we are so sorry for your loss and wanted to express our sincere condolences. Our wish is that your family be comforted by God's assurance of love and compassion for you at 1 Peter ch 5 verse 7 and Acts ch 24 verse 15.

February 29, 2016

To the Richardson Family--

Willie was our first great player at JSU to garner national attention. He was always a gentleman, kind and gentle. But he was also a fierce competitor.

My brother, Harry B, copied Willie's running style and his son, Russell (now of the Seahawks), emulated his father.

I will never forget the Orange Blossom Classic of 1962 when Roy Curry, Willie Richardson and our great defense dominated FAMU 22-6. The parade in downtown Jackson celebrating that special team and landmark victory will not be soon forgotten by those who saw it.

There were players who donned the Blue and White who in the opinion of some may have surpassed him: Payton, Barney, Slater, Caster, Conner, Duncan, Jackson, Outlaw, Seals, McGee, Biggs, Barkum, Brazille, Smith, and Tillman, among others, but it was Willie who set the standard for all others to follow.

May he forever rest in peace and the spirit of Wonderful Willie" never forgotten.

We will always love #89.

Sincerely,

Ben Wilson

February 26, 2016

Rest In Peace, Uncle Willie! Your presence will truly be missed. You are an icon to our family.
Loving you always and forever.
Your Niece ,
Glasetta Richardson-Barksdale

February 24, 2016

To the family and friends I am very sorry for your loss. May you all find comfort in these words from our Loving Creator. Isa 29:18

February 24, 2016

To the family and friends I am very sorry for your loss. May you all find comfort in these words from our Loving Creator. Isa 29:18

M J

February 24, 2016

So sorry for your loss.

John Louis Conway

February 23, 2016

Earline, we grieve with you! As a Coleman High School classmate, I will miss seeing him. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

February 23, 2016

Every one living and exercises faith in me will never at all. JOHN 11:26

Nine Oakland

February 22, 2016

This man has in some way inspired us all. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Remember Proverbs 3:5 trust in God and he will help us to get threw these hard times.

February 22, 2016

My condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort in the hope set before us of a ressurection found at 1 Tessalonians 4:14.

Lenny Moon

February 16, 2016

Pro Football HOF member Lem Barney of Jackson State once told me the reaason he selected JSU were two words "Wonderful Willie" (meaning Willie Richardson)...Over the years I grew to determine why he must have felt the way that he did..Willie was not only a great athlete during his playing career, he was a gentleman with class and dignity and most of all I'm proud to say he was a good friend

April Campbell

February 14, 2016

A Shimmering Star's Light Never Dims. Your presence made everyone's day a little better.

April Campbell

February 14, 2016

I miss you old friend. It's because of you my political career exist. You taught me so many things. You gave me hope for so many reasons. I am well connected to the right and a few wrong politicians :-) because of you. I was able to raise nearly a 100,000 for a new political candidate bc of you. We out raised and incumbent and very well recognized current political figure. I am a better business woman bc of you and your partnership. We formed #RichardsonBrothersLLC and managed several projects. You encouraged me to dissolve my businesses and go work for the frost AFAM POTUS. I'm sadden by your sudden passing; however, thoughts of you bring smiles to my tears. Your love for your wife and family was commendable. I wish there were more #WillieRichardson. Rest well dear friend. I hope that my golf putter continue to bring you wins. Thank you for teaching me the game of golf and the rewards that accompany. #JohnnyUnitas threw a hell mary that is known as the great pass. It was you that ran and leaped 6ft in the air to catch that pass which is know recognized as #thegreatCatch. Legends never die. Your star will shimmer 4ever. 76yearsYoung. I imagined you living well beyond the 90's. You were the best sportscaster ever and the greatest wide receiver and golfer ever to grace a field. The best motivational speaker ever to speak. We love you #WillieRichardson. You were too humble. Thank you for you service.

February 13, 2016

R.I.P.

Rick Cleveland

February 13, 2016

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has lost one of its great gentlemen. We will miss Willie's smile and always positive attitude. The legend of Willie Richardson will live forever at the MSHoF.

February 13, 2016

May your soul rest in Heaven Willie. I became acquainted with Willie at the age of 12 or 13 because we along with another friend were golf caddies. Though he lived in Greenville and I in Clarksdale, we met many time in various town to caddy in Golf tournament. Willie was a wonderful person and athlete. I especially remember the 1958 football season when Higgins and Greenville High met and played to a 26/26 tie. That was the only game that we did not win for the season. Willie was sensational as usual in the game. My prayer is that God will continue to bless his family.

Michael Clancy

Willie Moore

February 12, 2016

Willie was the first professional football player that I met , his mother was my elementary teacher when he was playing for the then Baltimore Colts.After meeting him , I became a big fan of his and would oftentimes watch him on T.V. I've had many conversations with him since I became a man and he was indeed a swell person .I was in Law Enforcement when Willie returned home and began working for the State Of Mississippi , on several occasions , his mother called him while I was visiting with her so I could talk with him . I love his mother , little sister and sister in-law , Carol dearly.

February 12, 2016

Willie,
You are going to be sadly missed by me and all of your golf buddies here at Hobitts Glen Glof Course. We all love you.
Danny

Charlotte Ford

February 12, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robbyee Banks

February 12, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Arthur Brooks

February 12, 2016

A great person and a dear friend

Carla Harper

February 12, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the memories, family, and friends who surround you. God bless and keep you in His loving arms.

Meera Sundaram

February 12, 2016

Dear Ricky, Sonji and Shawn - I was very sorry to read this morning's newspaper and learn of your Dad's passing. I have many fond memories of your family from Iron Crown. Sincere condolences.

Leroy,Barbara &Leroice Wiley

February 12, 2016

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jackie Lloyd

February 11, 2016

Condolences to the Richardson Family during this difficult time. Willie called me about two weeks ago just to see how I was doing and I never thought that was going to be our last time talking. The golf courses will never be the same without him. Rest in peace Willie until we meet again.

Myra Nichols Highes

February 11, 2016

May God comfort each of you during this time of grief. My prayers are with you

Jackie Lloyd

February 11, 2016

Condolences to the Richardson Family, Willie was an amazing person and I talked to him two weeks ago. He called and just wanted to check on me and see how I was doing. I never thought that would be the last time that I would ever get to talk to him again. Willie could play some golf and the golf course will never be the same without him. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.

Lucille Myles

February 11, 2016

Heartfelt sympathy to the Richardson family. May our Heavenly Father comfort you as only He can.

February 11, 2016

May the memories of good times help the Family doing this time..I will continue to pray for the Family. Love you all. From your Friend and College Room mate, Mary Alice....Faye Wiley Matthews,Greenville, MS

Regina walley

February 11, 2016

Mrs. Earine
I dont even know where to begin so im putting this post that i wrote on facebook in this memory book because in the short amount of time i knew him you both have greatly impacted my life i love you both like my own family. I was truly overcome with grief when lavon informed me of his passing. My sympathy always .
Regina

Mr. Willie Richardson passed away today. I had the privilege of meeting his wife and him. I clean their house and have come to love them both like my own family the past couple of years. He was one of the kindest hunan beings I have ever known. My heart wrenches for Mrs. Earline and their children. I cry like a baby even now when I think about their perfect marriage and cant imagine how she copes with this sudden loss of her soul mate. God has gained an angel today. I love you both with my deepest heart felt sympathy.
Sincerely Regina

Felix Harrell

February 11, 2016

Baltimore colts fans will miss Willie.i had the opportunity to celebrate the 20th year Super Bowl anniversary with him.Baltimore Colts and the New York Jets.

Ann Villeret

February 11, 2016

Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. I met Willie through golf and always enjoyed talking with him and visiting with him when I ran into him. He was a good man and will be truly missed.

Titus Hughes

February 11, 2016

The thoughts and prayers of comfort to the Richardson family from our family are extended.

We remember and give thanks for the proud memories that so many of us shared because of Willie Richardson.

Thanks for making so many of us proud.

February 11, 2016

Condolences to the family, one of Greenville best rest in peace.

Theresa Smith Robinson

February 11, 2016

To the Richardson Family:
Willie was a great light & a true friend. He will be missed. Remember, though absent from you, Willie is present with our Father. God bless and keep you all.

Twaya Hutchins-Mims

February 11, 2016

Mr. Willie your journey on earth is completed...REST. May God comfort your family during this time of loss.

February 11, 2016

May the Richardson family find peace and comfort during this sad time, for there will come a time when sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised to us. My condolences.

George Ray Sr.

February 11, 2016

Having the opportunity to fellowship with him just couple of days before he passed is pretty hard to bare. He was the best Wide receiver to ever touch a football in game of sports. He was just ahead of his time. Rest in peace my friend and may God bless your family and all who loved you.

Your friend and College School Mate,

George E. Ray Sr.

Sandra Jones-Boyd

February 10, 2016

My prayers and deepest condolences are extended to the family of Willie. May God continue to provide peace and comfort to all of you, as you mourn his homegoing.

Billie McCray

February 10, 2016

May your Memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your Family today and always.

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