Richard Blaine Richardson

Richard Blaine Richardson, age 90, peacefully transitioned to his eternal home in Heaven on Thursday, May 22, 2025, and is now reunited with his loving wife of 65 years, Judith Anne Queen Richardson.

Richard was born on Oct. 29, 1934, in Randleman, NC, and lived there his entire life. 

He graduated from Randleman High School in 1953 and joined the Navy soon thereafter. For many years, he owned and operated Richardson’s Welding and was a skilled master of his trade. 

He loved Randleman and all of Randolph County, often remarking that he thought it was the best place in the whole world to live! He lived life on his own terms — freely — and was truly one of a kind. 

Richard definitely stood out from the crowd and wasn’t restricted by societal expectations — like it or not! He was richly blessed to have enjoyed over 90 years of very good health, and he knew it.

Richard loved connecting with others — and he really loved to talk! He had a unique ability to effortlessly remember and recall dates, names, people, places and history, and he loved sharing that knowledge with anyone willing to listen. He had many friends from all walks of life and was happiest when spending time with them.

Richard had traveled extensively. His first taste of the world outside Randolph County came when he joined the Navy at the age of 19 — a decision he often said was one of the best he ever made. His Navy tenure took him to many countries and ports around the world and opened his eyes to new perspectives on life. He loved reminiscing about his Navy adventures and attended many reunions with his “Battleship New Jersey” crewmates, always enjoying the chance to reconnect.

Richard also enjoyed many travels with his family — to the beach, the mountains, overseas and several road trips across the United States. Countless hours were spent driving with his wife Judy by his side, as well as his sister-in-law by marriage, Shirley Queen, as they set off for yet another destination. When asked recently about his favorite place he had ever been, he quickly replied, “Paris, France!”

Richard had many interests. He enjoyed collecting old coins, license plates (from all 50 states) and, most notably, bicycles — owning literally hundreds in every make and model. He loved the hunt for them over the years. 

He also loved animals, nature and gardening. He planted a big garden every year for decades and was “farm to table” long before that even became a popular phrase. He enjoyed the fruits of his labor and loved sharing them with others. He could often be seen strolling around his property, sampling whatever happened to be growing: Grapes from the vine, raspberries, figs, apples, pears — even picking persimmons from his neighbor Sally’s tree in hopes that someone would later make him a persimmon pudding, his favorite! In the summer months, he could amusingly be seen wandering the garden wearing a big-brimmed straw hat with Bounce dryer sheets attached all around the rim by clothespins to keep the mosquitoes away! (They were particularly fond of him.)

Richard thoroughly enjoyed various types of music — especially gospel, bluegrass, country and old-time rock ’n’ roll. He loved watching and listening to anyone play the guitar or banjo. His love of life never faded, even up to his final days.

Finally, but most importantly, Richard loved his family and the Lord. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Randleman and, more recently, a member of Balfour Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC. He was also a member of The Freemasons for many years.

Richard is survived by his family: His son Marc Richardson (Gwen) of Asheboro; his daughter Rita Brown (John) of Doylestown, PA; and his son Ronald “Ronny” Richardson (Tiffany) of Cary, NC. He is also survived by his grandsons: Corbin Richardson, Alex Brown and Jackson Richardson; as well as his sisters: Lois Hinshaw (Paul) of Asheboro, Pennie Davidson (Bill) of Asheboro, Sandra Adams (Van) of Randleman, Karen Wooten (Roger) of Randleman; brother-in-law Roy Smith of Denton, NC; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wife Judy, Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Penn Luther and Laura Jean Richardson; his daughter, Leigh Anne Richardson; his grandson, Austin Brown; his sister, Linda Smith; and his brother, Raymond Richardson.
We will always carry his memory in our hearts. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed but never forgotten. Farewell Sailor!

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Balfour Baptist Church at 1642 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203, from 1-1:45 p.m. on Friday, May 30. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Clapp’s Nursing Home in Asheboro, NC, who looked after him in his final days. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to:

— Balfour Baptist Church at 1642 N Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

— Shriners Children’s Hospital, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.