Rev. David Thomas Richardson was born on July 28, 1954, to Esther Teal Richardson and the late James Richardson. He peacefully departed this life for his eternal rest on Monday, January 17, 2022, at his residence. He was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Richardson and Henry Cole. He was a 1972 graduate of Bowman Senior High School. He worked many years in the textile and hosiery mill industry. In 1993, he began working as a Housing Inspector for the Sandhills Community Action Program. He retired in 2012 after 19 years of service.

In 2015, Rev. Richardson received an Associate degree in business management; in 2017, he received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration; and in 2020, he received a Master of Business in Public Administration. He was currently in the process of completing his Doctoral degree in Business in 2023 all from Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama.

At an early age, he confessed Christ and joined Savannah A.M.E. Zion Church where he served as a junior usher and on the Trustee Board. In 1983, he was called into the Ministry. Rev. Richardson’s first appointment was Thomas Chapel A.M.E. Zion/Forestville A.M.E. Zion Church for 3 years. He was then appointed to Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church, Greensboro District, for 4 years. In September 1992, he received his appointment to Gatewood Station A.M.E. Zion Church where he served faithfully until his passing. Rev. Richardson pastored in the Wadesboro-Monroe District for 33 years. He served as the Financial Secretary for the Wadesboro-Monroe District. He also served on the Trustee Committee and Finance/Budget Committee for the Wadesboro-Monroe District.

He was a member of the Deep Creek Lodge #382, Wadesboro, NC.

He leaves to cherish his wife of 22 years, Jeanette (Sunshine) Richardson of the home. Five children, Michael (Geneva) Richardson of Charlotte, NC, Michelle Richardson of Wadesboro, NC, David (Peewee) Richardson (Sandy) of South Carolina, April Smith of Ellerbe, NC, and Ray Smith (Samantha) of Ellerbe, NC; his mother, Esther Teal Richardson of Wadesboro, NC; one brother, Edward (Carolyn) Richardson of Wadesboro, NC; nine grandchildren, Michael Bennett, Danielle (Antonia) Williams, Myasia Richardson, Enderia Richardson, Jasmine Richardson, TJ Rucker, Kameryn Rucker, Kennedy Rucker, Ray Daniel Smith, and Kadia Rucker; two great grandchildren, Ava Williams and Josiah Williams; mother-in-law, Catherine Smith of Candor, NC; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Covington of Rockingham NC and Marjorie Cole of Morven NC; one aunt, Hattie Bennett; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Two special friends, Tim Watkins of Morven, NC and Rev. Sammy L. King of Rochester, NY.

*****The Homegoing Service to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Rev. Richardson will be on SUNDAY , January 23, 2022, 2:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Gatewood Station AME Zion Church Cemetery, Morven, North Carolina.

The viewing and family visitation will be on SUNDAY , January 23, 2022 from 1:30-2:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel.

Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn at all times during the viewing, visitation and services.