Don Richardson

Rev. William Donald "Don" Richardson, age 80, of 5634 Dashwood Dr., Pleasant Garden died Friday, October 14, 2011 at GrayBrier Nursing and Retirement Center, Archdale. Don was born August 16, 1931 in Cincinnati, OH to Martin and Alma Myers Richardson. He grew up in Salisbury, NC, earning a Bachelor of Theology degree from Southern Pilgrim College and a Bachelor of Arts at Elon College. He was an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, serving from 1954-1994 in various churches in North Carolina and Wisconsin. He was the pastor at First Wesleyan, Randleman from 1973-1986. In addition, Don served in numerous other capacities including district treasurer for 12 years, DBA member for 19 years, DBMD member for 11 years, General Conference delegate five times, and trustee for Southern Wesleyan University for ten years. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by: a brother: Burton Richardson; sisters and their husbands: Margie and Bynum Hughes, Audrey and Tom Bray, and Rachel and Frank Roon. He is survived by his wife: Leola Sheffield Richardson; children and spouses: Michael and Kathy Richardson of Bloomington, IL; Benjamin and Lillian Richardson of Glendale, AZ; Susan and Samuel Cooper of Woodruff, SC; Robert and Pamela Richardson of Colfax, NC; brother and wife: Reginald and Carol Richardson of Overland Park, KS; sisters and spouses: Carolyn and Carroll Upton of High Point, NC; Mary and Gerald Parker of Boone, NC; Faye and Ralph Clayton of Reidsville, NC; Kaye and Larry Loman of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law Inga Richardson of Lee's Summit, MO; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 South Main St., Randleman, NC. The funeral will be Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM at First Wesleyan Church, 125 Tabernacle St., Randleman with Rev. Don Hurlburt, Rev. Al Newcomb and Rev. Dan Leroy officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro.