Elijah Richardson

What does it mean to be an extraordinary man? An extraordinary man is one who has a disposition of wisdom that inspires and engenders respect. He energizes you with his fervor and empathy. You want him to be your friend, neighbor, co-worker, manager, mentor, or community leader. Deacon Elijah Richardson embodied all of this and more. He was an extraordinary man and we all wanted to be a part of his life in some way or another. He belonged to everybody; he lived a life of service; and he was blessed beyond measure for 96 years.
Elijah was born in Albany, Georgia on March 23, 1927, to the late Jessie Richardson and Pearlie "Nee Jackson" Richardson.
He received his formal education in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Madison High School in 1945. Throughout school, he actively participated in various student-centered events and after his graduation, he remained an active member of the Madison-Monroe High Alumni Association. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served with distinction. At the close of his tour of duty, he returned to civilian life and later attended Albany State College.
Elijah was raised in a Christian home where he was taught the Word of God and the importance of living a life of integrity, strong character, and loving kindness. At an early age, he professed his faith in Christ and dedicated his life to His purpose. He united with the Union Missionary Baptist Church where he began a lifetime of Christian stewardship. Through the years, he devoted himself to unparalleled commitment and service to his calling as a Deacon; Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent; Church Secretary/Clerk, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee Board Chairman, Historian, and Photographer. Deacon Richardson was a prayer warrior and an avid member of the Nursing Home Ministry, Men's Ministry, Pastoral Search Committee, Youth Department Ministry, UMOC Executive Committee, Church Decorating Committee, and the #3 Senior Citizens Choir. An altruistic organizer, Deacon Richardson fully committed himself to coordinating and supporting a myriad of diverse events, including Cancer Relay for Life, Senior Legacy Tea, Senior Citizens Rose Parade Excursions, Annual Church Picnics, Pone's Aide Society Cemetery Committee, and Boy Scouts of America. In addition, he served as a liaison between the Church, Albany State University, and the Community. Deacon Richardson was an active member of the Southwest Georgia Deacons Fellowship Union and the Camilla Baptist Association Layman's Department.
In June 1948. he was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Ella Mae Holmes. Together, they embarked on a life filled with love and true devotion to each other. For 72 years, he proved to be a mighty fortress, a strong tower, and a true anchor to his wife. Their union was blessed with two children who were taught to love God, to love one another, and to be respectful. Through the years, Deacon Richardson delighted himself in supporting his family and neighborhood children in all their endeavors. As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather, he ate not the bread of idleness and often sacrificed his needs for the good of his family.
A man of many skills and talents, Deacon Richardson excelled highly in his logistics career at Turner Air Force Base and the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base. No matter what the task, he never shied away from a challenge. He was an exceptionally conscientious employee who daily poured himself into his work-always giving his best. Upon, retirement he was lauded for his character, integrity, high expectations, work ethics, and perseverance. After 30 years, he retired having rendered loyal and dedicated service.
Deacon Richardson was a very unique man who was compassionate, humble, loving, and giving. His life was filled with many interesting experiences combined with civic, community, political, and fraternal engagement. He was a Civil Rights activist; a lifetime member of the NAACP; Commander of the American Legion Post 512; served on the Turner Job Corps Community Relations Council; past President of the Flintside Elementary School PTA; American Red Cross Disaster Associate; 1976 Centennial Committee Member; American Cancer Society Advocate; Community Food Distribution Drives Contributor, and he held membership in the SOWEGA Council on Aging and the Dougherty County Democratic Party. He had a big heart and gave of himself freely in support of Albany State University's Alumni and Athletic Associations. In his leisure, he enjoyed all types of sports and often engaged in billiards, baseball, roller skating, and bowling.
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Almighty God in his infinite wisdom and power called his faithful servant home to eternal peace and rest. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella Mae Richardson; three siblings, Valgene (Bessie) Hill, Sr., Willie (Louise) Richardson, and Drucilla Collier; brother-in-law, Robert Echols; and a niece, Jacqueline Riley.
Deacon Richardson leaves a legacy of love that will forever be cherished by his children, Cassandra Joyce (Tommie Jr.) Baugh of Austin, TX and Jessie K. Richardson of Clearwater, FL; his grandchildren, Risa Lofton, Anza Richardson, and Octavius "Nikki" Green of Albany, GA, and Tommie (Gladys) Baugh III and Terrence Baugh of Austin, TX; great grandchildren, Ryan Richardson of Peachtree Corners, GA, Bria Richardson, Kamryn Richardson, Tyler Lofton, Alyssa Lofton, and Quinton Carnegie all of Albany, GA, and Sofia Baugh and Xiomara Baugh of Austin, TX; great-great granddaughter, Ava Richardson of Albany, GA; his sister, Dorothy Echols of Thomasville, GA; nieces and nephews, Pearlie Riley of Decatur, GA, Deborah Echols and Cheryl Echols of Stone Mountain, GA, Joann Hill of Indianapolis, IN, Betty Hamilton of Detroit, MI, Robert Echols, Jr., of Plano, TX, William (Sylvia) Echols of Conyers, GA, Willie Riley of Lithonia, GA, and Valgene Hill, Jr. of Detroit, MI; and a host of cousins, church family, and friends.
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