Jimmy Richardson

Jimmy Ray Richardson, 71, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Thomasville to the late Walter Glenn Richardson and the late Wilma Pruitt Richardson and was the husband to Willa Perkins "Cookie" Richardson for 49 years, she was his high school sweetheart and they were married on December 26, 1965. Survivors other than his wife, "Cookie" include his children, Jonathan Richardson and his sons, Rees, Jackson and Colin; Jared Richardson and his wife, Debra and their daughters, Hannah and Elisabeth; Juli Lefler and her husband, Jason and their children, Madeleine, Alyssa, Isaiah and Isabelle; Robin Lalor and her husband, Billy and their children, Elizabeth, Anna Joy and Peter. He was a deeply cherished husband, father and grandfather and will be missed dearly. Jimmy was employed with Bostic Brothers Property Management. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1962, where he was a state champion wrestler in the 127 lb. weight class in 1962, graduated from Appalachian State University in 1966 and received his Master's Degree from A&T University. Jimmy began his coaching career at Pulaski H.S. in Pulaski, VA, continued coaching wrestling, football and track at Smith H.S. in Greensboro. In his years of coaching, he led 10 of his high school athletes to state championship titles. Beyond this amazing accomplishment, he mentored and loved many student athletes. Many of these student athletes are still considered family and some were with him at his death. He and "Cookie" are members of The Lamb's Chapel; Jimmy was a member of the Sons of The American Revolution, The Sons' of The Confederate Veteran's; an avid history buff and bee keeper. The Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00pm Saturday, June 6, 2015 at The Lamb's Chapel with visitation following the service. At other times the family will be at the home. The family requests joyful hearts and colorful attire at the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215 or to the Salvation Army, 812 N. Anthony Street, Burlington, NC 27215.