March 7, 1951 – May 20, 2013

VIDALIA — Memorial services for Jackie Ray Richardson, 61, who died Monday, May 20, 2013, at his residence, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Church in Vidalia.

Jackie was born March 7, 1951, in Decatur, Ala., the son of Floyd Leon Richardson and Velma Louise Putman Richardson.

In his youth, Jackie rode in local horse shows. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He followed family tradition and became an excellent brick mason and tile setter.

Jackie served with pride and honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning for gallantry in action the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart Medal. He was and always will be a hero to those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by one son, Trampas Dewayne Richardson; his parents; and one brother-in-law, Harry S. Wells.

Survivors include one daughter, Kim Browning and family of the Gulf Coast; three sisters, Mary Wells and family of Atlanta, Texas, Nancy Corban and family of Queen City, Texas, and Doris Richardson and family of Natchez; and two brothers, F.D. Richardson and family of Reedsport, Ore., and James D. Richardson and family of Dothan, Ala.

Special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Stubbs; Deaconess Home Health and Deaconess Hospice; nephew, Ras Godbold, who took over caregiving duties after his mother’s surgery; and five special ladies, Lucille, Delores, Gloria, Jackie and Georgia.

The family requests that anyone wishing to honor Jackie’s memory, do so through the Wounded Warrior Project.