James Matthew Richardson's Obituary
James Matthew "Jim" Richardson, Sr. , 92, of Longview passed away peacefully at his home in Longview on Friday, August 2, 2013 with his wife of 72 years, Lurlene Minter Richardson, at his side. Mr. Richardson was a longtime resident of the Longview area. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in the Fellowship Hall of Longview Missionary Baptist Church. Memorial service officiated by LMBC Associate Pastor Tony Harp will follow at the church on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Richardson was born to James M. and Myrtle P. Richardson on December 25, 1920 on the family cotton farm in the rural community of Rice in Ellis County, Texas. He was the fourth of five children having three elder sisters, Vera, Ruth and Jimmy, and younger brother, Herbert. Mr. Richardson attended school in Ennis, Texas, graduating from Ennis High School in 1937, and completing a business law course in 1938. Later that same year, Mr. Richardson began dating Miss Lurlene Minter whom he married on Christmas Day 1940. The couple soon moved to Houston, and Mr. Richardson accepted a job in sales for Sears, Roebuck and Company.
With WWII swiftly approaching, the couple moved to Texarkana where Mr. Richardson enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and subsequently began his pilot training in September 1942. Mr. Richardson received his wings as a 2nd Lt. A-20 bomber pilot for the 47th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force, and served as a flight leader for his squadron carrying out 72 missions over Italy and North Africa earning him a promotion to 1st Lt. and an air medal for distinguished flying service. After the war, Mr. Richardson returned home and settled in Waco continuing his AAF service as a test pilot. It was during this time the Richardson's were blessed with the birth of their son Dr. James Matthew Richardson, Jr. on June 6, 1945.
Upon completion of his military service, the Richardson's moved to Longview in 1946 where Mr. Richardson spent the remainder of his career with Sears and Roebuck as one of their top sales managers. He retired from Sears in 1976 after 35 years of employment, and spent most of his retirement on Lake Cherokee where he enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends and family, and traveling with the local Good Sam club. Mr. Richardson was an honorary charter member of the Longview Missionary Baptist Church faithfully serving the last 66 years as a deacon, teacher, worship leader, and choir member and was an active supporter for local and international missions. In 2002, the Richardson's moved back to Longview living on Paverstone Street for several years before settling into Mr. Richardson's final home at Colonial Village.
Mr. Richardson is proceeded in death by his parents, sisters, brother and son, Dr. James Matthew Richardson, Jr., and is survived by his wife Lurlene Minter Richardson, grandchildren Pamela Paul and husband Adam of Frisco, Paula Harp and husband Chris of Longview, Robert Richardson of Nacogdoches; step-grandson Jordan Johnson and wife Emily of Crossroads, Tennessee; great-grandchildren Katelyn and Abigail Paul of Frisco, and Collin, Conner, Evan and Everett Harp of Longview, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Richardson's name to the Longview Missionary Baptist Church Mission Fund designated for the Island Mission Fund in care of Bro. Glen Knight – The Philippines. The family would like to thank the staff of Texas Home Health and Colonial Village for the excellent care provided to Mr. Richardson in his last months.
An online guest registry can be found online at www.raderfh.com.
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