RICHARD LEE RICHARDSON
of Little Rock, Ark., received his wings and returned home to be with his mother, Lafay Geneva Neale-Richardson, following a short battle to COVID-19. He was born January 11, 1960, to Jeremiah and Lafay Neale-Richardson. He gave his life to Christ at a young age at Bethel A. M. E. Church.
Richard was a quiet and gentle soul of few words with a strong presence. He was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School and was a defensive lineman for the Tigers. It is there that he affectionately became known as “Donut.” He was an outstanding football player whose only wish was to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Because of his love for the sport, commitment to the game, and although he was not the traditional build for his position, his quickness and strength caught the eye of the infamous Lou Holtz. As Lou Holtz sat in the living room of our home and talked to Richard about attending the University of Arkansas, it was a dream come true. He played four years as a noseguard and was a formidable opponent. After an unfortunate knee injury that ended his football career, Richard returned home and completed his studies at Philander Smith College.
As always, in someone’s life, there are roadblocks and struggle. Richard was no exception. After a battle with addiction, Richard committed his life to help those in recovery. He recently celebrated 29 years of abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs. Before his death, he worked for the State of Arkansas, Central Arkansas Community Corrections. He was hired as a supervisor and became an integral part of their staff. One of his co-workers shared with me that the Warden stated he did not know that Richard would talk, but he was impressed by his work and work ethic. Richard did nothing without a firm commitment and a sound decision to complete.
When our mother battled leukemia, Richard was her primary caretaker. He would take her to her doctor appointments, administer medications, flush catheters, prepare her meals. In his role as caretaker, he never complained, and he fulfilled his role with the utmost love, kindness, and patience. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Nehemiah Franklin Richardson. He leaves to mourn his passing his son Jacobi Richardson; four sisters: Diane L. Burl, Jeanette Hammond, Sharon Morrison, and Zora Richardson; his niece, Tomekah Burl; nephews: Jonathan Richardson, Franklin Richardson, Brian Hammond, Mason Richardson, Eric Hammond, Jordan Hammond; niece: Chelsey Richardson, and his youngest niece Zoie Thomas; his aunt Berthal Neale and many other descendants of the Richardson and Thompson-Neale family. Our family acknowledges his friends that knew him and loved him.
Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services will be serving the Richardson families.