William Andrew Richardson, Sr. was born to the union of Sonny and Missouri Richardson on November 22, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia. He confessed his hope in Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.

"Bill" was educated in the Portsmouth, VA educational system and graduated from I. C. Norcom High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education at Hampton University and taught physical education in the Baltimore City Public School District. Anyone who visited our home would ALWAYS be treated to a free workout (whether you needed one or not,) as Bill never lost his passion for physical fitness!

He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War era and in locations across the world, serving our country for 22 years until retirement as a 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Army Ranger, which is one of the most decorated active-duty United States Army Special Forces groups.

Bill made the decision to relocate from the Northeast to Texas. Prior to moving to Houston, Texas from Baltimore, Maryland, he served on the audio-visual ministry at Israel Baptist Church of Baltimore City under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. H. Walden Wilson. After moving to Houston, Bill joined with the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Marcus D. Cosby during the final year of his life. He was grateful for the fellowship of believers he came to know there. Although Bill was reserved in manner, he was not shy about his love and respect for his pastor.

Bill was an exceedingly devoted 50+ year brother of the Kappa Psi Fraternity and endeavored to attend all community service and celebratory events even despite his illness.

A week prior to his passing, William engaged in an extended one-man songfest (with Claudette later joining in) singing songs including: "I'm Just a Nobody Trying to Tell Everybody About Somebody Who Can Save Anybody", "I'm Coming Up on the Rough Side of the Mountain," and "Going Up Yonder," all of which signaled he was ready to go home to be with our Lord!

William leaves to mourn, yet cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Claudette Richardson, his son, William Richardson, Jr. (Melissa) and his daughter, Kolleen Richardson, both of Baltimore, MD; grandson, Zaire Richardson; and granddaughters, Lydia Richardson and Kamari Dorsey. Also mourning his loss are his aunt (cherished as a sister), Julia Simmons (Sam) of Awendaw, SC; and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Although he could no longer walk, William Andrew Richardson (WAR) took his last stand on Wednesday, February 19 at 8:45 PM and went peacefully and pain-free into the arms of Jesus!

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; yet love leaves a memory no one can steal."