Wilfred "Bill" S. "Bill" Richardson, Jr. Jr.

Wilfred "Bill" Richardson, Jr. was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on October 23, 1942, passed away on July 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his family and friends. Wilfred was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred Richardson Sr. and Muriel Richardson; sisters, Mary Earl and Muriel Hoffman; and his beloved son, USAF Staff Sgt. Martin Mark Richardson.

He is survived by his daughter, Amelia "Amy" Hoffman; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Richardson; grandchildren, Cierra Richardson, Roenn Richardson (Ashley), Sydney Rivera (Pedro), Aidan Barrientos (Aiden), Tyler Hoffman (Meleah Cline), and Brooke Hoffman; great-grandchildren Max, Amalia, Zena, Martin, Emrys, Amara; brothers, Martin Richardson (Lavonne) of Kinglands, GA and Mark Richardson (Nancy) of Interlachen, FL and several nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Bill and Sandie McGrath of Winchester, NH.

Wilfred served proudly in the U.S. Navy Reserves before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Trained as an aircraft sheetmetal mechanic, he served for ten years, including four tours in Vietnam. During his service, he became proficient in Vietnamese, a language he spoke fluently and used throughout his life. After his military service, Wilfred pursued a career in investments, which took him to Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Eventually, life brought him to Interlachen, where he lived for over 25 years. There, he raised his children and returned to his roots in aircraft sheetmetal work. He was known for the quality and craftsmanship of his work. He owned a small business that allowed him the unique opportunity to work on a wide range of aircraft that included Cessnas, F-86 Sabre, and DC-3. He shared his craft with his children, who often assisted him.

Wilfred cherished his family and friendships. Whether stopping by for a visit or catching up over the phone, he valued staying connected. He had a talent for working with his hands, carving intricate wooden sculptures of birds, big cats, and sharks. A gifted storyteller and a man who never met a stranger, Wilfred brought joy and wisdom to those around him.

In his later years, as his health declined, Wilfred moved to Jacksonville to live with his daughter and her family. Even after a severe stroke took away his ability to speak, he continued to communicate clearly through his facial expressions and his signature phrase, "one to one." He enjoyed taking "rubbernecking" drives with his daughter-slow, scenic rides with a cup of coffee and a danish.

Wilfred's life was rich with service, adventure, love, and craftsmanship. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and connection that will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church, 7860 Southside Blvd., Jax. FL 32256, with Pastor Phillips officiating. Fellowship to follow the service.

A brief service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 3, 2025, at New Beginnings Holiness Church, 203 Montague Avenue, Interlachen, FL 32148, with Pastor Alan Smith officiating, followed by a Graveside Service with military honors at Pineview Cemetery in Interlachen, FL.