Melford Rudolph Richardson

Just shy of his 90th birthday Melford Rudolph Richardson went to be with the LORD. A long time native of Holden, he was born May 15, 1936, passing April 30, 2026, at 89 years old. Our father, ...daddy, paw, paw-paw... will be dearly missed. He was a Christian man, a role-model, a social butterfly-never meeting a stranger. He was a farmer, a hardworking, simple, mild mannered man. He was a good husband and father, and he loved his family. He followed all of us through our lives, attending many events no matter where they were. He especially loved cheering from the stands at ball games and rodeos. He loved the LORD and his church and was a faithful member of Holden Baptist for 50 years, serving in various positions and as a deacon during many of those years. He served the agriculture community as an employee for the US Department of Agriculture retiring after 38 years. He stayed very busy helping around the house, often saying he didn't know how he had time to work, and of course taking care of our mom during her time of need. Melford was preceded in death by his father and mother, Grady and Thelma Richardson, his two sisters, June Davis and Emma Stewart, and his wife of 52 years, Shirley Mae Hill, who left us way too soon on February 15, 2012, at only 69 years old. He is survived by one sister, Eunice Young, many nieces and nephews, and leaves a legacy behind including three daughters: Sherry Addison, Debbie Wilkinson (Eric), Merileen Dupepe' (Darrell). Four grandchildren: Shanna Lopushansky, Samantha Wilkinson White (David), John Eric Wilkinson (Haley), and Noah Dupepe'. Seven great-grandchildren: Alexis Jones, Aidan Bennett, Lainey and Liv White, Carley Wilkinson, Rafe and Andersyn Dupepe'. And one great-great grandchild: Arabella Brown. Our comfort comes through faith as we know our dad was saved and is in heaven as we are promised... to be absent from this body is to be present with the LORD. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Holden Baptist Church on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Russell Hinson will officiate and interment will follow in Old Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Tributes

Melford Rudolph Richardson

May 15, 1936 - April 30, 2026