Ernest Richardson

Ernest was born in 1954 in NYC to Ernest M. and Elizabeth Richardson.

His earthly journey ended on July 10, 2025 when he was promoted into Heaven.

In between, he lived a full and vibrant life. Ernest was raised in a tightknit Italian neighborhood. Upon graduation from high school, he attended a local community college before transferring to Oregon State University. There, he majored in Forestry and graduated in 1979. While at OSU, he was accepted into the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He also was a walk-on player for the Oregon State football team where he excelled as an defensive end.

After graduation, Ernest was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks' pioneer team where he played briefly before becoming injured. He then played for the Winnipeg Bombers. He coached high school and college football, as well as a girls softball team. Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed water sports, motorcycle riding and playing golf. He also owned a horse named Crimson, and enjoyed horseback riding and roping activities.

After pro football, Ernest fell back onto his Forestry degree. He did logging and survey work for a timber company in Oregon and Washington before moving on to Darigold, a dairy in Portland, OR. He retired in 2011, and relocated in 2012 to Hoover, AL with his wife when she received a new job opportunity. He thrived in the warmth and sunshine, and played golf as often as he could.

In Hoover, Ernest was able to focus more fully on his Christian journey. He attended a Bible Ministry Institute for advanced Bible studies, and was a popular teacher for both youth and adult Bible study at his church. He also was part of a weekly men's Bible study group, in addition to having a one on one weekly breakfast fellowship.

Ernest had an adventurous and bold spirit tamed only by God, a dimpled smile that went from ear to ear, a hearty laugh, a heart that was full of love and generosity, and he gave the best hugs.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, by his sister Eloise, and by his niece Ako. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife Portia, son Austin Jesse, daughter Sidra, sisters Eileen Joyce(McLemore), Elisabeth and Ernestine Khaidah(Muhammad), nieces Shannon and Zaakirah, nephews Kareem and Wallace, grandchildren Patrick and Aubriana, as well as by a multitude of other relatives and friends all over the country.

Ernest will be cremated, and his ashes taken back to Oregon. Two memorial services will be held in the weeks and months to come.

In lieu of flowers, cards, etc. please make any donations to Operation Blessing or to the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Department of Medicine Development Offfice, 1808 7th Ave. South, BDB 420, Birmingham, AL 35294- 0012.