Charles Vernon Richardson, age 98, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born July 23, 1917, in Benham, Kentucky. Well, Daddy you left us on 29 October 2015 at ~ 1:05 a.m. You took that pleasant trip you told Fuddy, or Gwen as you called her, about on Monday, the 28th of October. Your leaving has saddened your family, and the community. However, you left behind not only those who loved you but you also left an impressive legacy. In 1936 you graduated as the valedictorian in the first graduating class of Benham High School in Benham, Kentucky. You were the captain of the basketball team, and vice-president of the senior class. Also you were voted the most handsome boy. We can see that! You attended Paducah College as it was then called. However, you ceased the pursuit of a college degree in order to allow your brother, Uncle Gilbert, to obtain his degree. Subsequently, after marrying Ruby L. Christon in 1946 and starting your family you completed a correspondence course to become certified in the repair of televisions and radios. Actually you became the jack of all trades and mastered them all. We do not know anyone who repaired TVs and radios, barbered on Fridays and Saturdays, repaired refrigerators, bartended, was proficient as a carpenter, did plumbing, electrical work, had a business providing janitorial services in many office buildings, and worked 40 hours a week as a butcher. Oh, we would be remiss if we failed to mention your master gardening skills that produced a plethora of beautiful and tasty vegetables and fruit. Oh yes, you could speak Hungarian and taught theology. We remember the discipline you exercised in pursuit of the 33rd degree as a Mason. Your efforts were not futile. You achieved your goal. The Wiz Radio Station recognized and honored you as an Unsung Hero in 1999. This recognition and award was for your carpentry, your outstanding gardening techniques, and unselfishly giving away produce from your garden, visiting the sick, and providing transportation to anyone in need of a ride to church. You were able to accomplish this all while in your 80's. You had the greatest applause from the crowd as you entered to receive your award because you were as clean as only you could be. You made your mark in the community as an activist for civil rights. Your participation in the sit-ins for equal rights for all races to eat at the counter at Woolworth's was not left unnoticed or unproductive. You also ensured that many in the community exercised their rights to vote. Above all of the aforementioned, you were an excellent example of a man, husband, and father. You made many sacrifices to provide for your family. After Mama's funeral, you openly made a vow to care for your then teenage daughters and fulfilled that promise. For which we will be forever grateful. You proved to be a faithful husband in your marriage to Georgia Davenport. Again you were widowed, as she preceded you in death in 1992. Your commitment to the Lord and your church was demonstrated as you served at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church. After uniting with the church on March 30, 1968 under the leadership of Elder Alford R. Jones you served as a deacon, first elder for 33 years, stewardship director for 10 years, community service leader and subsequently the treasurer of community service until you could no longer serve. Also you served as a Sabbath School teacher for many years, speaker for the Sunshine Band, and driver for Carrie's Kitchen as you delivered food to the sick and the shut- in. You assisted many years with Ebenezer's and Helping Hands Fruit Club. You did plumbing, electrical work, built a podium for the Sabbath School, and served generally as a handyman. In addition, you assisted in the first vegetarian food trailer's store and were active in Seniors on the Move. For many years, Wednesday morning prayer meetings would not have been the same had you not served as the Bible Instructor. In an effort to beautify the external aspect of the building, you helped to dig up a tree stump and plant roses and bushes in the front of the church. You always filled in whenever needed. We will remember the last song that you sang last week while in the nursing home -Amazing Grace, and the song you desired to sing but the guitarist was unable to play it-I'll Fly Away. Just as serious as you were, you were equally as humorous, witty, and comedic. Born the seventh child to Zenobia and Elijah Richardson on the 23rd day of the seventh month 1917, you were preceded in death by your siblings, Harrie Mae, Theodore, Willie Bell, Alma, Beatrice, Zeno, Maudell, Armenia, and Gilbert. Saddened by your departure and yet grateful your life and the impact your life had on theirs, are your daughters, Veronica Richardson Hadnot (Michael), Deborah Alma Jean Richardson Walker (Joseph), and Gwendolyn Foster (Nathaniel); Annie Ruth Bryant preceded you in death. Grandchildren: Cynthia Heath (Steven,) Darrell Bryant, deceased; Reginald Bryant, Latisha Y. Johnson, Verna J. Johnson, Shea H. Johnson (Bridget), Jovi S. Walker Brown, Ricardo L. Cook, Rhonda L. Johnson, Richard Cook, and JoVonne S. Walker. Thirteen great grandchildren, 18 great- great grandchildren, and one great- great- great grandchild. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins-The Hill Pender Richardson Sturghill (HPRS) Family, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Richardson. Your Buddies Pam Sharpe (great niece) and Eric Coates, and a special friend, Carrie Walker "Baby". Visitation is from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3660 Washington Avenue, Cincinnati (45229). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 4:00 pm. Interment 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2015, at Vine Street Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Richardson family.

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