Charles S. Richardson

Charles Stanley Richardson, 65, of Peoria, Illinois, was born on September 9, 1959 to Charles Mack and Gloria (Richardson) Gregory. He attended Irving Middle School, studied Karate, and played basketball. The basketball team won the Park District's championship on March 28, 1973, making him the first, but not the last Richardson to win a basketball championship. While attending Manual High School, he volunteered at Friendship House and mentored neighborhood youth. He graduated from Manual in 1978. On October 12, 1985, he and Pam (Miller) Richardson married and were blessed with two daughters, Jamila and Asia.
Charles was inspired by his uncle Edgar McKnight to pursue photography. Charles became a gifted and talented freelance photographer for 38 years and owned Next Level Photography in downtown Peoria. He found great joy in capturing moments, such as private portrait shoots, graduations, weddings, and fashion events. His freelance work supported companies and organizations such as Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria Public Schools, and the Peoria County Regional Office of Education. Charles was an independent contractor for Paul Kluber of Chroma Studio for over three decades and a key contributor throughout the company's evolution. He started as a photo assistant, but when Chroma Studio shifted to video production and event lighting in 2010, Charles transitioned into other roles and excelled. Due to his creative vision, dedication to his craft, and love of exploration, he traveled domestically and internationally to capture stunning images in Chicago, Washington, D.C., China, Europe, Japan, and Russia. Additionally, Charles worked for 15 years for Closet Furnishings and over 20 years at A Unique Maintenance with his cousin Andre McKnight.
Charles loved giving back by teaching the art of photography to students at Carver Community Center, some of whom continued to study photography at Illinois Central College. He also shared his expertise with Edgar's granddaughter, Jewel, thereby giving her what her grandfather had once given him. Charles also enjoyed watching Western movies, survival shows, camping shows, "Finding Bigfoot," playing Kenos, and drinking coffee at Steak 'n Shake and Panera Bread with his good friend Gary. He cherished time spent with family and friends and loved them dearly.
Charles passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024 in Peoria, Illinois. Charles is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Pam (Miller) Richardson, their amazing daughters, Jamila and Asia, and grandsons, Kahari and Khazai. Also left to cherish his memory are his parents, his siblings Dietrich (Brendetta) Richardson, Sr., Angela Gregory, Susan (Sherman) Carter, Keenan Mack, Karhmen Feurtado, Bryan Mack, Kevin Mack, and a host of family members, friends and members of the community.
Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, Isaac and Mary Mack and Versell Richardson, his great aunt, Virgie Hall; his aunts: Lula Mae Peete, Jannie Frances McCullum, Lois (Mack) Guyton, Virgie Mack and Patricia Nevels; his uncles, Edgar McKnight, Ulysses McKnight, and Oscar Mack, as well as his brother, Michael R. Gregory.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10am to 11am at the Wilton Mortuary. The funeral service will follow at 11am at the Wilton Mortuary, 2101 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL.
Memorial contributions in Charles Richardson's honor may be directed to CEFCU, where an account has been established to support the educational endeavors of his grandchildren.
Online condolences and memorials can be made at www.cumerfordclary.com. Arrangements and cremation rites have been accorded to Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home.