William Richardson

William “Bill” James Nelson Richardson of Pinehurst, 75, formerly of Washington, NC passed away peacefully on February 11, 2014 at Manor Care Health Services in Pinehurst, NC. Born in Atlanta, GA on March 31, 1938 to the late Janie McIntyre and James Berkin Richardson, he was raised in the Robeson County community of Rex, graduating from St. Paul’s High School in 1957. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Jo McGugan on December 21, 1958. Graduating from the Selenia Business College as an industrial engineer, he began his career at Burlington Industries in Raeford, NC followed by 30 years of service to National Spinning Company. He served in many capacities, working in the Whiteville plant from 1963 to 1969 before moving to the Washington, NC plant . Bill was a member of the Army National Guard. He served on the Board of Beaufort County Nursing Home and volunteered his time with the Board of Elections. He served as an usher for several years at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing poker. He, also, enjoyed family gatherings at the lake, the beach and on holidays. Preceded in death by his wife, Jo M. Richardson, his sister and brother-in-law Lydia and Ronald Blackburn, his aunt, Ruby Coker, he is survived by his children: Debra R. Johnson & her spouse, Dr. Michael Johnson of Goldsboro, NC; Cindy R. Sayce & her spouse, Karl Sayce of Pinehurst, NC; and Bobby Richardson & his spouse Amy Richardson of Marietta, GA. Papa was very proud of each of his grandchildren: Jennifer Johnson of Kansas City, MO; Jamie Johnson Harford of Raleigh, NC; Jackie Johnson of High Point, NC; Katie Sayce of Charleston, SC; Sarah Sayce of Pinehurst, NC and Kyle and Kate Richardson of Marietta, GA. Funeral services will be held at McNeill Mackie Funeral Home in St. Pauls Sunday, February 16th at 3:00, followed by his burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery in St. Paul’s. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Flowers are appreciated and memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 211 West Second Street, Washington, NC 27889 or to the Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.mcneillmackiefuneralhome.com Special thanks to all of the caregivers at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital who cared for him during recent hospital admissions and to the staff at ManorCare who provided care and comfort during the last 10 days. Arrangements by McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls.