Bobby Ray "BR" Richardson

Bobby Ray "BR" Richardson, age 67, of Milan, Missouri, passed away Monday morning, February 9, 2026, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

BR was born on June 10, 1958, in Milan, Missouri, to Betty June (Courtney) Richardson and Ray Franklin Richardson. On July 20, 1998, he married Lori Ann Schoonover, in Miami, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community, and shared their greatest joy, their daughter Bobbi Ann Richardson, born November 1, 2003, in Columbia, Missouri.

BR was preceded in death by his father, Ray Richardson (2005); grandparents; Earl and Minnie Courtney, Eil and Winnie Richardson; uncles Danny "Frog" Courtney (2023) and Bobby Courtney, aunt; Pauline Deeds and several other aunts and uncles, and his brother-in-law, Troy Schoonover (2020).

He is survived by his wife, Lori Richardson, and daughter, Bobbi Ann Richardson, of Milan; his beloved mother, Betty Stubbs of Milan; his brother, David (Terri Lynn) Richardson of Milan, and their children his nephew Ethan (Darcy) and Meredith Richardson, of Guilford, Missouri; and his niece Erin (Jaron) McClaran, of Milan. He is also survived by cousins who were like brothers, Jason Courtney and family, and Jeffrey (Megan) Courtney and family, of Milan. BR leaves behind loving in-laws William and Janet Schoonover, of Pollock, Missouri; sisters-in-law Vicki (Nile) Sinclair and family, of Milan, and Lisa Schoonover and family, of Pollock, Missouri; as well as many dearly loved cousins, special friend, Larry Coon of Milan and countless other friends.

BR was truly one of a kind. He loved life, loved people, and people loved him right back. He never met a stranger and always made time for everyone. From a young age, BR traveled with his grandfather to sales, Rutledge, and gun and dog trades-experiences that shaped his lifelong love of buying, selling, and trading. He was a trader of guns, knives, cattle, horses. Sale barns and horses held a special place in his heart. He loved seeing bald eagles and would count them on his long trips and call his mom to detail the sightings.

In his younger years, BR traveled the country working for Milan Motor Company (Marvin and Dorothy Smith), transporting vehicles from auction to auction. He attended auctioneer school in Kansas City and, within just two weeks, became an auctioneer. He conducted countless auctions, generously donating his talents to benefit auctions, fundraisers, and community events, including auctioning pies and sports memorabilia. He was also a devoted supporter of the Milan Wildcats.

At a young age, BR began selling fireworks, a tradition he continued for more than 30 years. He loved working with young people and took pride in offering good deals and giving everyone "the best bang for their buck." Each year, loyal supporters and friends traveled from many states to gather at BR's, a testament to the connections he built and the kindness he shared.

Later in life, BR opened Milan Car Mart with his cousin Rick McCormick. His storytelling, humor, and genuine interest in others shined. BR was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Unionville (formerly Pollock) and the Kirksville Shriners. BR was also a wonderful cook known for his delicious prime ribs and other catering items done for his brother's grocery store.

He lived his life guided by faith as a Christian and follower of Christ. BR was wise, generous, and endlessly loyal. He performed countless small acts of kindness without ever seeking recognition. He loved to tell-and retell-stories from a life rich with experiences, laughter, and meaningful connections. Above all, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend, and he will never be forgotten by those who were blessed to know and love him.

A funeral service for BR will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at the Scobee Cemetery, Pollock, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor BR by sharing a random act of kindness or offering help to someone in need, keeping him in your heart. Charity begins at home.