Joe M. Richardson

1934 - 2015

Joe M. Richardson obituary, 1934-2015

Joe M. Richardson

1934 - 2015

Joe Richardson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 16, 2015.
Joe Martin Richardson passed away on December 15, 2015, at the Big Bend Hospice Family House in Tallahassee, after a valiant struggle with ALS. He was two days shy of his eighty-first birthday. He was born on December 17, 1934, in Stella, Missouri. After being drafted into the Army and serving in Germany, he attended Southwest Missouri State University, and then earned an MA and a PhD from Florida State. His first teaching job was at the University of Mississippi, but he soon returned to FSU, where he taught for 40 years, retiring emeritus in 2005. He published numerous books and articles on African-American history. He lived his life in the service of others, and devoted his time and boundless energy to helping anyone who might experience a need, so he will be loved and remembered by countless people whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Lively Richardson; his two children, Leslie Richardson and Joseph Richardson; and his sisters Nancy Hines and Dorothy Brock; as well as a grandson, Cortland Phillips; a godson, David Bennett; and three god-grandchildren, Kaitlin Mitchell, and Kiersten and Zak Hopkins.

Visitation and reception will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, on Sunday, December 20, at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice or to the scholarship fund in Joe Richardson's name at Florida State University.

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

Sign Joe Richardson's Guest Book

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December 20, 2015

charles brock posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2015

Kevin Ewing posted to the memorial.

charles brock

December 20, 2015

Joe was a scholar, he had the attributes of a great Christian - love, kindness, altruism, person of prayer and genuine relationship to God. He was a partner in a movement called -Lets join hands across the USA. His contributions allowed many families to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only eternity will reveal the lives changed because of his generosity.

December 19, 2015

To the Richardson Family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Richardson. I never got the pleasure of meeting him, but I spoke to him several times over the many years of being friends with his son, Joseph. Also, I heard him spoken of very highly by my best friend, Derek. The community of Tallahassee and Florida State University have lost a true treasure and Dr. Richardson's memory and giving spirit will be eternal. My sincere apologies for not being able to pay my respects in person, but I hope Joseph and the family knows that they are all in my thoughts.

Barbara Jones (Tallahassee native, now living in Ohio)

Kevin Ewing

December 19, 2015

The late S. Truett Cathy said: "How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they're breathing." Joe was the embodiment of that. He was the tide that lifted all boats: Everyone was better after they had been with him. I have not known a more wise, gentle, caring, and giving person. Someone once said, "There is only one thing to do about anything and that is the right thing." Joe always seemed to to the right thing no matter the cost. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). I am honored and humbled that he was my friend. Patti, Joseph, Leslie, Maxine and families, my prayers are for you for comfort.

December 18, 2015

On behalf of the Florida State University Association of Retired Faculty (ARF), we extend condolences to the family of Joe Richardson. We hope the support and loving concern of others will give strength to you from day to day. Please know he is remembered fondly and will be listed in our Association's Memorial, Sincerely, Tom & Esther Harrison, Memorial Chairs

Dottie Brock

December 18, 2015

Dear Joe - brother, uncle, cousin, friend, - caretaker of us all. How comfortably we leaned on you! And how you loved us, even at times when we might not have been lovable! Even when your body was being ravaged by this cruel disease, you tried to protect us from the hurt. We hope you knew how much we love you in return and that you are our hero. We hope we can pay tribute to you by being just a little bit to each other and to others what you were to us. You will forever be a part of our lives. We will forever be grateful to you and love you.

ann shipman

December 18, 2015

Hello, my name is Ann, I live here n Tallahassee. I wanted to send my sincere condolences on the passing of ur husband and to all family members. I'm 62 now but I took dr. Richardsons class back n the seventies. Will admit I don't hav exact memories but he was
Very nice. He did say I had a good book report.
Sincere condolences to fsu community. Ann

Julie Ingle

December 18, 2015

We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy. Joe will be missed greatly. He was faithful to reach out to our family throughout the years, especially after my mother's death. He had a wonderful gift for sharing and always showed concern for all his extended family. He was an amazing man!
Love, Julie, Jeff, and Jerry.

December 17, 2015

Wish we could be there at this time. We treasure the memories of the times we were together. Love from Denny, Tina, and families

Doug Brock

December 17, 2015

We are so sorry we did not get to spend as much time with him and his family as we would have liked but we treasure the times that we were able to do so. What a tremendous loss! His kindness, generosity and loving spirit cannot be replaced. Love Doug, Betty, Trey, Colby and Brady.

December 17, 2015

Our hearts are heavy and we love all of you so much,

Nan, Lana, Susan, Marti and families

Jack Myers

December 17, 2015

I feel and share a tremendous loss with everyone at this time....

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Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road

1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

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Sign Joe Richardson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 20, 2015

charles brock posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2015

Kevin Ewing posted to the memorial.