Clarence Thomas Richardson

Clarence was loved by everyone he met. He was a compassionate husband, loving father and grandfather, and loyal friend. Clarence was always willing to help others and had a calm nature. He had a gentle sense of humor and always had a positive attitude. He was hard-working, patient, considerate and will always be remembered.

Clarence was born in Seagrove, NC. At age seven he helped his Dad with making pottery. When he was 13 he hauled logs driving his Dad’s logging truck and sawed logs for two years. During high school he drove the school bus for two years. He moved to DC in 1946. He attended school and was awarded a mechanic position at Capital Transit where he worked for four years. At night he worked at the Washington Circle Theatre serving as a doorman, usher and assistant manager. It was there he met his beautiful wife, Millie, and enjoyed her companionship for 64 years. Clarence enlisted in the Navy in 1951, selected an aviation track and was assigned to the Patuxent Naval Air Station for four years. He later joined the Naval Reserves for three additional years at Anacostia, D.C. During his time in the Navy he completed 10 correspondence courses pertaining to aircraft repair and maintenance. He rescued aircraft and replaced propellers and engines. After the Navy he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and worked as a civilian in the Air Force managing a team of aircraft mechanics. He served 26 years in the Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1985. While working at Andrews Air Force Base he attended classes in air conditioning and graduated from Columbia Technical Institute. He later attended heating and air conditioning school through RSES for four years. He taught night HVAC courses at a community college for 20 years. He served on the RSES Board and held many positions, including President. He also served on the Maryland Heating and Air Conditioning Board for 16 years and became Board Chairman. After retiring from the Air Force in 1985 he started his own HVAC business. He also served at the voting polls during elections, was appointed to the Prince Georges County voting polls Board and served 16 years, including as Chief Judge. He was also appointed as Finance Chair of his church, Forestville Free Methodist/New Vision Fellowship.

He retired at the age of 84 and moved to Virginia with Millie. During retirement he helped at vacation bible school and volunteered making crafts for his church. He attended Wacky Wednesdays in Maryland at the VFW, rode in the American Legion car in the Haymarket parade for several years with his girlfriend, Barb Tavel, joined reunions with the 459th Wing Association, attended investment club meetings and became an active equity investor, and was a member of Sudley UMC. He is survived by his daughters; Joanne Miller and her husband Terry Miller, Mary Mast and her husband Steve Mast, Linda Lyons and her husband Chris Lyons, sister Ann Suggs and her husband Steve Suggs, five grandchildren; Jennifer Miller, Michael Mast, Victoria Polchinski, Ryan Mast, and Jonathan Polchinski, and three great grandchildren; Grayson Miller, Charlie Mast and Millie Mast. He was predeceased by his wife, Mildred Richardson, his parents, Wendell and Mary Pearl Richardson, his brothers; Clinton, Bobby, and Benny, and sisters; Nell, Marie, Louise and Mary Deloris.

Graveside Service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist 5474 Pleasant Hill Rd, Seagrove.