Dr. William Richardson

March 4, 1924 - February 3, 2016

Dr. William Woodrow Richardson, 91, born March 4, 1924 in Fountain, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home on February 3, 2016. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Graceville with Rev. Sean Rezek officiating, James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing. Family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church, Friday, February 5, 2016, from 5 - 7 p.m. The Family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Richardson Foundation 1154 10th Avenue Graceville, FL 32440 or to Emerald Coast Hospice 1330 South Blvd. Chipley, FL 32428. William was the fourth and last child born to Grady and Nellie Jones Richardson and was raised in Millville, Florida, moving to Graceville in 1954. He attended Millville Elementary, Bay High School - Class of 1942, University of Florida, Stanford University and received his Medical Degree from Tulane University. He also served in the Army Air Corps as a Navigational instructor. He opened Richardson Hospital in Graceville on February 6, 1955 and delivered his first baby on February 9, 1955. In 1964, to help meet the needs of a growing community, he spearheaded the opening of Campbellton-Graceville Hospital. Dr. Richardson continued to serve the community through many local organizations before and after his retirement. He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Graceville. Preceded in death by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Loretta; parents Grady and Nellie; brother Renfroe and sisters Inez and Gladys. Survivors include his children, William G. "Bill" Richardson (Lois), Wayne J. Richardson (Dawn), Woodrow D. "Woody" Richardson (Lynne), Cheri Richardson Coates (Howard); eleven grandhchildren, Brad Richardson (Chesley); Cara McBroom (Brent); Jacob Richardson (Anne); Danielle McFadden (Steve); Davis, Wheeler, McKay Richardson; Colby Coates (Nicole); Kelsey Coates; Colton Coates; Cameron Coates; ten great grandchildren and special family friend Emma Daniels.