David Vaden Richardson

David Vaden Richardson
Named after his father and grandfather, Vaden created and lived his own life, a life as uncommon and unique as his name. Vaden is survived by his wife, Pam and his son, Joel and his husband, Matthew. As he wrote to them on their wedding day: "I always wanted two sons; my dream came true."
Vaden is predeceased by his father, David, his mother, Rose, his sister, Becky, his step-father, Raymond, his father-in-law, Leon, his mother-in-law, Betty, and his niece, Amanda. He is survived by his step-sister, Gloria Driver, his step-brother, Bunkey Morgan (Judy), his sisters-in-law, Lynda (Eddie), Debbie (Doug) and brother-in-law, Michael. He is also survived by nieces/nephews, Paul (Martina), Nikki (Ryan), Kristin (Dale), Nathan (Bibis), Brandon (Paula), Courtney (Dedrick), Dale, eight great nieces/nephews, and two great-great nephews.
His Family
Vaden and Pam met in fourth grade and were classmates at the same school until eighth grade. After reconnecting as teenagers after high school, they later married in 1972. Vaden loved as hard as he lived, and this year, Pam and Vaden celebrated their 53rd anniversary. Their son, Joel, was a gift of great effort. After five years of wondering if he would arrive, they were blessed on December 20, 1982. Vaden was a hands-on father who taught lessons through action and example: he ran with Joel to train for soccer season, he taught him architecture and construction, he showed him how music makes you feel, and he never missed a chorus concert.
His Life
Vaden's philosophy of life was that anything is possible, and he proved that every day he lived. Pam always described his approach as: "Convinced and Convincing." He believed in himself, his family, his work, his life, and nothing could ever sway that.
There were many uncertainties and disadvantages during his life. He lost his own father at the age of six. He was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 12. Vaden was the first student with a diagnosis of diabetes to attend Hargrave Military Academy and only admitted on a trial basis. His philosophy was evident even as that 12-year-old boy – he never considered his disease an obstacle. Despite the perceived disadvantage, Vaden excelled as a cadet, an athlete, and a leader. As a member of the track and field team, he ran cross country and showed a natural ability for pole vaulting. Later the 1970s, Vaden's diabetes diagnosis kept him from being considered for several career opportunities. An unexpected opportunity led him to a career as a raceway promoter, operating multiple raceway venues.
Over the following decades, Vaden built his business from the ground up. Simultaneously, Vaden and Pam built a home in Wake Forest, NC – also from the ground up. Vaden and Pam's father constructed the majority of the home, including woodworking and electrical. The home took four years to complete, and he lived his final days in the place that he created.
His Passion
Vaden was drawn to the beach, shag dancing, and beach music – and if no one would shag, he would dance on his own. He loved being on the water. He owned a shrimp boat, a ski boat, and a free boat. He taught himself how to shrimp and net fish, alone as a one-man crew if necessary. He brought home pounds of shrimp each summer. He showed Joel and his nieces and nephews how to water ski and fish. And found peace riding out on the intercoastal waterway in his "free" boat.
During his younger years on the Richardson family farm in Kenly, NC, Vaden lived a life with dirt under his nails. He never stopped "digging in the dirt" and eventually built his own greenhouse and even cross bred flowers to create his own unique varieties. His father-in-law's wild grape vine still grows in the backyard of the Wake Forest home to honor his memory. Vaden later raised palm trees on Oak Island, many of which live on, and will for years, around the island.
Vaden's outlet for creativity (his "Wilkerson-side creative gene") truly was wood working and craftsmanship. His stepfather was a cabinet maker, which enabled him to become a master builder of furniture, and later – entirely from scratch – Vaden hand carved, constructed, and painted historical sailing ships. Vaden's ingenuity, skill, and approach to woodworking and craftsmanship paralleled his way of life, and it allowed him to accomplish things extraordinary and entirely uncommon.
His dedication to building his family's house in Wake Forest (as well as their house on Oak Island) allowed Vaden and Pam to spend years together in the two places they loved most the homes they built together.
His Farewell
Vaden created the life he loved. There is nothing he wanted that he did not pursue and accomplish. He would tell you that he loved his life and there was nothing he would want to change. Even at the end, when illness brought unwanted change, his approach, his philosophy was the same. Every day is a possibility.
In honor of Vaden, please make a charitable donation to The American Diabetes Association.
A visitation will be held at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest, NC on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 6-8 PM.
A Graveside Service will be conducted at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:30 AM.
Arrangements in the care of Bright Funeral Home.