Dr. William  Richardson

Obituary of Dr. William R. Richardson

Dr. William R. Richardson, 93, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully at Estelle’s Hospice House on September 8, 2021.

He was born August 10, 1928, the son of the late John Walter and Rosa Virginia (Moxley) Richardson.

William (Bill as he was known)  was originally from Wilkesboro, N.C. before moving to Florida in 1996. In 1950 he married his loving wife, Mary, and together the two shared many years of love and happiness before her passing in 2020.

Bill served in the US Navy. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S.(1950) and M.A degree (1953). Bill earned his doctorate degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (1968)   

Bill began his career with Lowes Companies in 1956 as a Corporate Merchandise Manager . He left his career with Lowe’s to be an instrumental part of the beginning of Wilkes Community College. He served the college as Dean of Instruction, Professor and Vice-President for over 20 years.

Bill was an executive Board Member, on the Joint Committee on Post-Secondary Articulation in North Carolina.

Chairman of the Deans of Instruction of the NC Community College System(1971-1972).

Organizer, Executive Board Member and Chairman, The Western North Carolina Consortium.

Chairman, Cooperative Area Manpower Planning Board, State Planning Region D.

Chairman of the Board (1971-1974) and Executive Committee, Eastern Appalachian Children’s Council, Inc. 

Member of the Board and Executive Committee, Regional Health Council of Eastern Appalachia.

Member of the Board and Executive Committee, Western North Carolina Health Systems Agency.

Governor Appointed State Chairman and Member of The North Carolina Health Coordinating Council.

Special Consultant to the State and Regional Higher Education Center at Florida State University, Tallahassee Florida.

Bill was active in many Academic and professional honor and service programs. Active in the North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed serving in many capacities but especially teaching Bible Study.

For rest and relaxation Bill would love to work in his yard, he planted thousands of azaleas and native western NC plants of all different varieties. He enjoyed people coming by and stopping while they were blooming. He always said he hoped that it made smiles to those that drove by. He also enjoyed golf and traveling with his family. 

Bill and his wife Mary moved to Florida in 1996 and he continued to play golf and work in his new yard. He became active in the Church there and delivered homebound meals for many years.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Corinne R. DeVault (Dan);  Elaine R. Mills (Frank) 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary C Richardson; his parents; John W. Richardson; Virginia M. Richardson; sister; Ruth Virginia Quillin; brother; Walter Clayton Richardson. 

Per the family’s request, no services for Bill will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County: 3231 SW 34th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474. 

Online condolences may be sent to hiers-baxley.com.

ILY forever

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