William Brooks Richardson Sr.

William Brooks Richardson Sr. (March 10, 1916 – Sept 21, 2013) passed peacefully into eternal rest at 97 after a brief illness. One of 8 children he was born on the family farm Pike County (Banks, AL) to Edward Windham and Alice Barr Richardson. He is survived by sister Judy Shiver (Banks, AL) and was preceded by wife Dorothy Louise (Woodall) Richardson (Brinkley, AR), brothers E H Richardson (Banks, AL), James W. Richardson (Blakely, GA) and sisters Viola Brown (Pensacola, FL), Mildred Chandler (Grady, AL), Mabel McLendon (Troy, AL) and Bernice Thomas (Charlotte, NC).

Sons W B Richardson Jr. (Janet)(Hoover, AL), Harry Lee Richardson (Susan)(Memphis, TN) and Dr. Donald Ray Richardson (Amy)(Knoxville, TN) will miss their father – a life long Christian model. He led his family in good times and difficult times with great patience and compassion. Grandfather of 8 & great grandfather of 15 he endeared himself to all.

A Brundidge HS 1935 (AL) graduate he moved in 1938 to Memphis, TN for work with Swift & Company. During WW II he served as a foreman, ship fitter Charleston Naval Shipyard taking great pride in his team’s special assignment – installing gun port seals.

The family resided in Troy, AL briefly before returning to Memphis in 1948 where Brooks began a +30 year career with Nat Buring Packing Company “King Cotton” brand meat products. Joining the company in its infancy he served as “smoked meats” department manager supporting company expansion to 3 locations and over 600 employees. Always respected as an honest and fair man he served as company credit union president +15 years.

He led his family in attending St. Luke’s UMC (Memphis) and later supported Banks UMC (AL) and Brundidge UMC (AL). At 97 he drove to Sunday services, lunch at Sister’s Restaurant and shut in neighbors before returning home.

He loved cigars, joining entertainer Danny Thomas and his philanthropist employer Nat Buring for a casual smoke and decades later standing with the young men of AKA – State College, PA chapter to enjoy the aroma and conversation at his granddaughter’s wedding reception. His signature hat reflected a life long University of Alabama allegiance.

He retired to the family farm to enjoy hunting, fishing and entertaining family – particularly grandchildren. With 2nd wife Estelle (Adams-Wandler) for 30 years, he nurtured his growing extended family earning the affectionate title Grand Brooks. Always willing to support his community he served as election supervisor Josie, AL +20 years.

Visitation will be Friday Oct 4th 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Dillard Funeral Home Troy, AL. Services will be at Dillard-Troy 10:00 am Saturday Oct 5 2013. Internment will follow at Ramah Baptist Church Hwy 29 Josie, AL.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN or Brundidge United Methodist Church Brundidge, AL.