Troy Lee Richardson

Troy Lee Richardson left this earthly life surrounded and cared for at home by his loving wife and family. His health had been declining for the past 7 years and his kind and loving spirit leaves a void in many lives that cannot be filled. Troy was born on the Richardson Family Farm in the Laurel Grove Community on December 12, 1930. His parents were Rosser Daniel and Lucille VanAntwerp Richardson. He spent the early years of his life in the Laurel Grove Community, attended Laurel Grove Baptist Church and attended local elementary schools as well as Dan River High School. His parents moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 1947 and after selling his tobacco crop, he later followed them to Florida. These were difficult times for him so he quit school and joined the United States Navy at age 17. He was proud of his military service and always said that the United States Navy provided him a home and a means to further his education. He served on the USS Tumult AM 127 from 1948-52. He would always excel in reaching goals to improve his education and family was his joy in life. He was everything that a husband, father and grandfather should be to his family and a loyal and abiding friend to many during his life. During his service, he met and married the love of his life, Elsie Richardson of the Keeling Community. They were married on November 15th, 1950 and recently celebrated 66 years of a wonderful life together. After his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, he worked hard to educate himself and make a good life for his family. He obtained his GED, graduated from Danville Technical Institute and completed the Machinery Apprentice Program, being named Outstanding Apprentice in the State of Virginia in 1956. Troy was employed at Dan River Mills for 27 years with many years as Machine Shop Supervisor and later Utilities Superintendent. He was hired on the original startup crew at Miller Brewery in 1978 and enjoyed 16 years working with a great crew of people at Miller. He retired in 1994 with fond memories of those with whom he worked. For many years, they stayed in touch by meeting at Hardee’s Riverside every Thursday morning. Troy led his family to salvation and was baptized along with his wife and children by Reverend Gerald Bridges. He was of the Baptist faith throughout his life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter- in- law, Rhonda Richardson and brother-in-law, Bob Forsman. Troy is survived by his loving wife Elsie Richardson of the residence; son, Larry Richardson of Pascagoula, Mississippi, daughter Janet (Jimmy) Bomar of Danville. sister Marie Forsman and brother Jimmy (Carolyn) Richardson all of Vero Beach, Florida. He was also a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren; Lauren (John) Pulley, Jamey Bomar and Justin Bomar of Danville, Va. Heather Richardson of Mandeville, La., Brandon Richardson of Grand Bay, Al., Jason Richardson (Karly) of Ocean Springs, Ms., Brandy Barrett (Jamie) of Bridgewater, Ma., and Nathan Richardson of Oxford, Ms. and a great-grandfather to Meredith and Jourdan Sharpe of Mandeville, La., Grayson and Lennon Richardson of Ocean Springs, Ms. and Shamus and Annalyne Barrett of Bridgewater, Ma. A celebration of Troy’s life with military honors will be conducted at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel by Reverend Darryl Joyce on Thursday, December 22nd at 2:00. The family will receive family and friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 and at other times will be at the residence, 1712 Westover Drive. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. Pallbearers will be Larry Richardson, Jimmy Bomar, Justin Bomar, Jamey Bomar, John Pulley, and Paul White. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Danville Lifesaving Crew or the Danville Humane Society. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Richardson family.

Troy Lee Richardson

December 12, 1930 - December 19, 2016