Erle Randolph Richardson, Jr.

Erle Randolph "Randy" Richardson, Jr. passed away October 3, 2025 at the age of 79 at his home in Marion, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Selma April 11, 1946 to the late Erle Randolph Richardson, Sr. and Sara Lazenby Richardson.

Randy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from The University of Alabama in 1968 before answering the call to serve his country. Following flight training, he was deployed to Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the United States Army.

In 1972, Randy returned home and began his lifelong career in community banking with Marion Community Bank (formerly Marion Bank & Trust). Over the years, he rose through the ranks from assistant cashier to president of the bank. He retired as Chairman of the Board at the bank in April of 2021. He was also a proud graduate of the LSU School of Banking. His dedication extended beyond the bank; he served as chairman of the Marion Housing Authority, and as a member of the Board of Advisors for Judson College and the Perry County Chamber of Commerce.

Randy’s life was firmly rooted in his Christian faith, which guided everything he did. A lifelong member of Marion Methodist Church, he poured his heart into serving the congregation he loved—whether as a trusted voice on the Administrative Council, a faithful steward as Treasurer, or a wise leader as Chairman of the Finance Committee. His quiet strength and unwavering devotion made him not only a pillar of his church, but also a man deeply cherished by his entire community.

Randy’s love for service and education was rooted in his own formative years at Marion Military Institute, the nation’s oldest military college and preparatory school, where he was once a cadet for six years. While there, he earned distinction on both the Dean’s and Commandant’s Lists each year, and competed on the basketball, baseball, and golf teams. An honor graduate, he was recognized as Outstanding ROTC Cadet, Superior Cadet, and Distinguished Military Graduate. He was also among the select few to complete the ROTC Flight Program. Later, he returned to MMI as a trustee, continuing his commitment to the institution that shaped him.

Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Randy cherished the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer, an enthusiastic Alabama football fan, and a devoted reader of history. Nothing, however, brought him greater joy than watching his grandsons play sports. He happily traveled near and far—even across state lines—just to be in the stands, cheering them on with pride. Those who knew Randy best remember him as a calm, reserved gentleman—someone others could look up to, both for his steady character and his quiet strength.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Ginger Seales Richardson and brothers-in-law, Mike Sanders, Sam Bratcher and Peyton Daniel Burford, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Trevor Allen (Brooke) Richardson and Gerri Nell (Stanley) Webb; grandchildren, Trevor Allen "Tripp" (Linley) Richardson, Samuel Atkins Webb, Christopher Taite Watson, Stanley Calhoun Webb, Nathaniel Crawford "Nate" Richardson and Henry Richardson Webb; siblings, Sara Ann Sanders, Elizabeth Bryan Bratcher and James Lazenby (Diane) Richardson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Geraldine Seales Burford and Sally Ann Seales (Sonny) Steele and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Marion Methodist Church with Rev. Len Hurston officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. Interment will follow at Marion Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church, prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Trevor Allen "Tripp" Richardson, Jr., Samuel Atkins Webb, Christopher Taite Watson, Stanley Calhoun "Cal" Webb, Nathaniel Crawford Richardson and Henry Richardson Webb.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many hands and hearts who cared for Randy with such devotion. They wish to especially acknowledge his physician, Dr. Shane Lee, whose guidance, compassion, and steadfast dedication were a source of great comfort throughout his journey. A special thanks is also extended to his caregivers—Shirley Steele, Edward Steele, Lakeisha Shaw, Zykeria Shaw, Otis Moore, Renee’ Edwards, Sakeena Brand, and Spurgeon Rawls, III—whose kindness and tender care touched both Randy and his family. In addition, the family is deeply thankful to Legacy Hospice and the Veteran’s Administration for their unwavering support and dignified service. Each of these individuals and organizations offered more than just care; they gave friendship, patience, and love, for which the family will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Marion Methodist Church; Post Office Box 85, Marion, Alabama 36756 or Marion Military Institute Foundation; marionmilitary.edu/give