Bobby Leroy Richardson

Bobby Richardson was a son of the late Russian Munford "Mutt" Richardson of Tipton, and Sara Elizabeth Mize of Stanton, Haywood County, Tennessee. He was born in Civil District #15, Rural Route #3, Covington. When young he attended Phelan School at Charleston. At an early age he worked long hours farming with his father. For the rest of his life, he remained true to the soil and loved farming. He learned how to raise a garden from his father, and throughout life, his family always had fresh vegetables. He saw to it that the family pitched in and did their part, and shared his produce with others. He was a well digger, learning the art from his Uncle Henry Mize. He knew how to service wells and continued to do so throughout life. He could mechanic, and repair machinery in the gin, on the farm, and fix anything around the home. Bobby was a cotton ginner for nearly 50 years. He worked at Gift in 1955 when he was 14. From 1974-1991 he ginned first at Charleston and later at Gift. From 1992-2021, Bobby continued farming and cotton ginning at Burlison with Richard and Charlotte Kelley, the Roane and Williams Families. He was a Christian and was a longtime member of the Charleston Baptist Church where he was baptized. His Eulogy is written upon the hearts of the people he helped. He was loving and faithful to his family, and generous to those in need. He was a loyal friend and a dedicated employee. When the good folks of "old Charleston" needed a Constable, they elected him to serve for a couple of terms. Bobby was a real cowboy who could ride horses in Hatchie Bottom or the arena; when young he could ride his mule standing on its back. He taught his children and grandchildren how to ride. The family enjoyed his mules Archie and John, who pulled them around in his covered wagon at home or in the Christmas Parade. A grandson saw him pick up a snake by its tail and pop it like a whip. He loved the outdoors, deer hunting, and he instilled those traits in his grandsons. He played fast pitch softball for many years. His funny antics and good-natured banter cheered his teammates, entertained the spectators and aggravated the players of the other team. He was always ready to barbecue shoulders on his grills and he could cook one or twenty, especially for the cancer survivors at Brighton or baseball teams. It was a real treat to partake of his fish fry gatherings with family and friends and eat his signature hush puppies. When he got out his big cast iron pot and boat paddle, the family knew it was time for the annual Brunswick stew cooking, and the whole family joined in the tedious process. Bobby was one of those rare individuals who was a genuine delight to be around. He greeted you with that devilish grin of his, with a hug or a handshake; and he left you with a smile on your face and a lighter burden to carry. He and "Ms. Joyce" moved to Garland in 2003 where they enjoyed twenty-one happy years in that community. Bobby died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, and will be laid to rest beside his father in Charleston Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Joyce Berkley Richardson; his son William Randall Richardson (Alisa) of Ottumwa, Iowa; Grandchildren Tiffany and Casey Richardson; Step-Grandchildren Kevin Link (Fallon); Jessilynn Link and Lynndsey Moore (Chase); Daughter Patricia Ann Bailey (Russ); Grandchildren Walter Thomas Richardson "W.T." (Shelby) and Bobby Bishop Bailey; Sisters Dorothy Mae Bombreck of Georgia, and Janice Ann Blake (Ray), of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his brother James L. Richardson and Step-Mother Jean Esbrook Richardson.
Visitation
Saturday, December 14, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Maley Yarbrough Funeral Home
1701 U.S. 51 S
Covington TN 38019
US
Funeral Service
Saturday, December 14, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Maley Yarbrough Funeral Home
1701 U.S. 51 S
Covington TN 38019
US
Committal Service
Saturday, December 14, 2024
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Charleston Cemetery
8624 Highway 179
Charleston TN 38069
US
Funeral HomeMaley-Yarbrough Funeral Home
1701 Highway 51 S
Covington TN - 38019
US
(901) 476-9778
901-476-1349 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bobby, please visit our Tree Store.