Willie Oliver Richardson

Retired SFC Willie Oliver Richardson of Black, Alabama passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2019 surrounded by family.              

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 from the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jay Ward officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Dothan City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until time of service. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1426 Taylor Road, Dothan, AL 36301.

Oliver was born May 18, 1929 in Florala, Alabama to the late Ilean and Eddie Richardson. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Kautz; a brother, Edward Richardson, Jr.; and two sisters, Iva Preston and Pauline Fischer. He is also preceded by a special brother-in-law, Jerry Scott.

Oliver proudly served in the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Army. His successful career took him to many locations around the world where he served in the Korean Conflict and in the Vietnam War. Mr. Richardson also had the pleasure of feeding thousands of soldiers during his tenure with the Army. He was known for his excellent food and immaculate mess halls. Oliver received numerous awards including, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. He was a life time member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Richardson is survived by his loving wife, Martha Booth Richardson and her children, Brenda, Marsha, Melinda, Anthony and their families; three sons, Jim Fleming (Nancy), Ricky Richardson, Freddy Richardson; a son-in-law, B. J. Kautz; and a daughter, Karen Wessner (John); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Kermit Richardson (Eula); a sister, Linda Scott; and the mother of his children, Pearl Richardson also survive.

Serving as pallbearers are Anthony Booth, Dell Register, Chris Richardson, Jeff Richardson, Billy Snell and Floyd Saunders.

The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Crockett, Flowers Hospital 6th Floor staff, and Kindred Hospice for providing compassionate care to Mr. Richardson.

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