The Legacy of

Charles Glen Richardson

August 20, 1940  -  October 22, 2021

Mr. Charles G. Richardson, 81, of Newport News, Virginia, departed this life on Friday, October 22, 2021 following complications from a stroke.  He was the son of the late Bob and Laura Bell Solomon Richardson.  A native of Louisburg, NC, Charles was educated in the schools there as well as in "the school of hard work" which he learned from the many years of working on the farm with his parents and seventeen brothers and sisters.  His commitment to becoming the best led him to Newport News Shipbuilding where he was employed for thirty years and to establishing C. G. Richardson General Hauling where he was the "CEO" for more than twenty years.

In addition to his parents, Charles was also predeceased by siblings Lizzie Mae and her husband Ellis Alston; brothers, Robert L. Richardson; Frank Richardson; George Henry Richardson; Harvey Richardson; and Linwood Richardson.  He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Florence Hagwood Richardson of the home; sons, Charles A. Richardson of Oakland, CA; Andre D. Richardson of Upper Marlboro, MD; and Dexter M. Richardson and his wife, Crystal of Chesterfield County, VA; and four grandchildren, Jasmine Somerville-Cox (Paris) of Richmond, VA; Ryann Elyse and Dexter Myles Richardson of Chesterfield, VA; and Andre D. Richardson, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD.  Also surviving are Charles' step-mother, Mrs. Pattie Mae Solomon Richardson of Louisburg, NC; siblings, William J. Richardson (Yvonne); Marilyn R. Johnson (Lonnie-Deceased); Shirley R. Bush (Frank-Deceased); Alton Richardson (Beverly); Matthew Richardson (Betty); Brenda R. Bennett; Dr. Bobbie Richardson; Evelyn Richardson; Dr. Linda R. Wilson (Otis-Deceased); Dorothy R. Johnson (Everette); and Marvin Richardson (Sandra).  Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Ann Richardson, Juanita Richardson, Savonia Richardson, Lena Richardson, Jean Richardson and Marian Thomas; and brother-in-law, Preston Hagwood.  Additionally, Charles is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, too numerous to name.  Throughout his work experiences at the shipyard and in C. G. Richardson Hauling, he also established relationships with good friends who all have cherished memories of him.

Having been raised in a Christian home, the values taught there were carried to Newport News to the home Charles and Florence established there.  They served as members of Emanuel Baptist Church, Faith Deliverance Baptist Church, and New Hope Baptist Church.  While attending New Hope, Charles attended Sunday School, Bible Study, served as Vice-Chairman of the Building Committee, attended Vacation Bible School, was an active participant in the Men's Ministry, Ushers' Ministry and with others as a Groundskeeeper.  Mr. Richardson also served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Trustee Ministry and was a past member of the Peninsula Trustees Council.

Who could ever forget all those delicious meals Florence prepared for family and friends at the Richardsons' home?  While there, among his grandchildren's favorite things to do were watching their beloved "PaPa" roast a pig and "helping" to prepare the tables for eating crabs, along with many other delicious dishes.  AND, who could ever forget the escapades under the truck with PaPa while he was fixing it!! This lasted until Florence put a stop to it when Ryann was about six!

Charles was an avid supporter of his grandchildren. He and Florence attended football and basketball games, even dance recitals where Charles politely "stayed awake" and smiled throughout the performances.  He was extremely proud of Jasmine, though he worried, too, as she flew all over the world as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.

The family takes this time to express deep gratitude to family members and friends who have been so very helpful in this time of need.  Most especially, they are all grateful to family friend and neighbor Mrs. Joyce Ashley, who has "been there" for both Charles and Florence at this sad time in their lives.

Viewing will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Messiah Center, 1421 W. Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, VA 23661.