Willie Richardson Jr.

Deacon Willie Richardson Jr. was born on March 28, 1944, in Nashville, North Carolina, to the late Josephine Richardson and Willie Richardson Sr. He passed away on March 15, 2026. Preceded in death by his four sisters, Magdalene Tucker, Lattis Brinkley, Bessie Mae McClain, and Dorothy Brinkley, and two brothers, Joseph Richardson and Joseph Lucas, Willie grew up in the Nash County School System and spent part of his youth working on the family farm.

A hardworking and dedicated man, he spent 40 years with Pepsi, worked at the shipyard, and held many other jobs throughout his life. He was a devoted Washington Redskins football fan and found great joy in music and singing. Over the years, he was a member of several gospel groups, including The Gospel Majestics of Hampton, Virginia, The New Faith Gospel Singers of Newport News, Virginia, The Victory Gospel Singers of Hampton, Virginia, and The Gospel Auditions of Hampton, Virginia. In addition to singing, he served as personal manager and booking agent for many groups, helping to organize and guide them through music.

Willie found the love of his life, whom he affectionately called Angel, in Pastor Cheryl Richardson. Together they joined True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church, where after years of faithful service he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of the late Bishop Eli Ratcliff Jr. He continued his service under General Overseer William Eli Ratcliff and later became Chairman Deacon of True Vine. Known for his bright smile and generous heart, Willie loved people deeply and made everyone around him feel welcomed. He often reminded others with his favorite saying, “Keep living,” and found peace fishing by the water.

Deacon Willie Richardson Jr. is survived by his devoted wife, Pastor Cheryl Richardson of Portsmouth, Virginia, with whom he shared 15 years of marriage. He also leaves four stepchildren, Randy E. Nicholson, Demetrius E. Grey, Felicia Johnson, and Sylvia Mason; one sister-in-law, Brenda F. Dunn; two brothers-in-law, Frankie L. Dunn and Alexander Davis; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, love, and faithful service to all who knew him.