Nelson Richardson

TUNNEL HILL — Nelson Richardson 80, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday May 6, 2018.

He was born in Hart County, Ga., on Nov. 28, 1937, a son of the late Arthur Denver and Gladys Goolesby Richardson.

Mr. Richardson has lived most of his life in the North Georgia area and retired from the DOT as an Engineer. Nelson was a well known area musician having played Bluegrass Harmonica and Southern Gospel throughout the years with many quartets, including The Lively and New Bethel Quartets. He was the Choir Director at New Bethel Baptist Church and was instrumental in starting The Ringgold Opry at The Ringgold Depot and had traveled to Australia with the Choo-Choo Cloggers. He was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame and was instrumental in the Truck Stop Ministry.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Oscar, F.C., Horace, Burnace; and sisters, Lou Frances, Edna, and Anna; as well as his grandson, Ryan Matthew.

Survivors are his loving wife of 59 years, Marie Richardson, whom he affectionately called Sweetie; sons, Greg (Irene) Richardson, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jeff (Deborah) Richardson, of Dalton; daughter, Teena (Jay) Harris, of Ringgold; sister, Leona Sanders, of Hartwell, Ga.; six grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sam Dillard and Rev. Don Self officiating. Interment will follow in the Gordy Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to a church or mission of your choice.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share words of comfort and view the memorial tribute.

Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.