Don Wendell Richardson passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer on 11/29/22 at the age of 79. Don was born on September 6, 1943 in Choctaw County Mississippi to Gerald and Cleo Richardson.
He was a graduate of Ackerman High School before attending Mississippi State University followed by Mississippi College for graduate school where he studied law and business administration.
He was a lifelong public servant and wore many hats and titles over his illustrious career. He was a former Chief Clerk, Chief of Staff, and elected member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. He was the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Finance & Administration, Mississippi Capitol Commission, and Mississippi Road Builders Association. He was also a respected Headmaster, Teacher, and championship winning Coach at Biloxi High School, Manhattan Academy, Rebul Academy, East Rankin Academy, Madison Ridgeland Academy, and Canton Academy. He even once served as the Mississippi Private School Association’s All-Star head football coach.
He was a man who accomplished more than most could imagine and achieved whatever he set out to do. He wanted to fly planes; so, he earned his pilot’s license. He wanted to be a humanitarian and put his stamp on public policy; therefore, he ran for state office in his twenties (and won!). He was a positive force who lived life big and lived it well. When he wasn’t impacting the world all around him, he could be found enjoying a round of golf, mastering a new recipe on the grill, rooting for his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs, or cheering on his grandkids at their many ballgames.
He is survived by his treasured wife of 55 years, Marie, his daughters Angela Inman of Flowood and Jessica (Drew) Wright of Hernando, grandchildren Brice Ford and Katherine Inman of Flowood and Lucy and Carlisle Wright of Hernando, his sisters Janice Tyler of Jackson and Cheryl Rester of Greenville as well as many precious nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 1:00-3:00pm at Ridegcrest Baptist Church in Madison with a service immediately following at the same location.
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