Willie "Jack" Richardson, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Winston-Salem, NC, on March 3, 2025. Born December 21, 1935, in South Boston, VA, he was the son of the late Will and Elinor Richardson; and was preceded in death by his siblings, Louella Summers, Cleopatra Mann, and Lee Kenneth Richardson.

Willie is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Fowler Richardson; a loving bonus son, Lawrence Fowler, Jr. (Courtney); a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He received his H.S. diploma at Dickinson Evening High School in 1958. He built a career as an X-ray technologist at St. Luke's Hospital in NYC, retiring in 1997, was also a skilled photographer and entrepreneur.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he played the stand-up bass in the Army band. His love for music continued as he played in the John Long and the Squires Jazz/R&B combo band.

He was a man of strong faith, integrity, wisdom, and resilience. He was passionate about family, black history, music, gardening, and photography.

Willie was an active member of Faith Zone Christian Fellowship Church, serving as a President of the Promise Keeper's Men's Ministry and an usher greeter.

He cherished gathering with friends at his favorite spots and believed in "saving for a rainy day."

Willie's legacy of perseverance, love, and integrity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please consider making a donation to an HBCU or charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.  Interment will be held at a later date in the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Semora, NC.