Tom Tolbert Richardson

1935 - 2023

Tom Tolbert Richardson of Clayton passed away Feb. 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 13, 1935, in Palmetto and was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Gehugh and Annie Elizabeth Richardson; brother and sister-in-law Robert "Bob" Lewis and Sara Richardson; and sister, Sarah Alberta "Berta" Bradley.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Dr. Helen Williford Richardson; son Thomas Elliott Richardson (Laura); sister, Mary Ann Grace; former daughter-in-law Jenny Richardson; five grandchildren, Ashley Richardson, JoAnna Bleckley, Cassidy Richardson, Brooke Richardson and Brylee Richardson; two great grandchildren, Addison Richardson and Jenna Bleckley; and many nieces and nephews.
A retired educator, Mr. Richardson received his Master's degree from the University of Georgia and was a high school counselor and principal in Fulton County. He was very supportive of athletics, serving as an umpire and was called "Ump" by many. An avid Wildcat supporter of Rabun County High School, Mr. Richardson was a recipient of the "Biggest Fan" award. He was an active member of the Clayton Rotary Club, serving as Rotary District Governor in 1997-1998 and as a trustee of the Clayton Rotary Foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson hosted many Rotary exchange students and supported various academic scholarships. He was a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow and a Will Watt Fellow.
He and Mrs. Richardson also endowed the Tom Richardson and Helen Williford Richardson Scholarship at Young Harris College, and he served on the Board of Trustees of the Gordon State College Community Foundation.
Mr. Richardson was an active and dedicated member of Clayton First United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with his beautiful grandchildren who knew him as "Pop."
The family received friends Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home with a service to follow at 4 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Zack Martin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made in Tom's memory at Clayton Rotary Club, 184 South Main St., Clayton, GA 30525; Clayton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 703, Clayton, GA, 30525; and Rabun County Athletic Booster Club, P.O. Box 1873, Clayton, GA 30525.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
February 23, 2023