Kent Ray Richardson

Kent Ray Richardson, age 88, passed away peacefully in his home on February 14, 2025. 

A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, February 17, at First Church of the Brethren. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held at a later date at Lawson Cemetery.

Kent was born on Patrick Street in Leaksville, N.C. in 1936. His parents were Russell and Mamie Myers Richardson. At an early age, he was baptized at Leaksville Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Tri City High School (Morehead) Class of 1955. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Judy Powell. They were married in 1957 and began attending First Church of the Brethren, where Judy was the organist.

Kent graduated from High Point College (University) in 1959 and then obtained his masters degree from UNC-Greensboro. He began his educational career at Ruffin High School before moving to Happy Home School where he served as the principal and a sixth-grade teacher. Later, he moved to Morehead High School where he served as a guidance counselor for many years. In the latter years of his educational career, he became principal at Douglass Elementary. After retiring from education, Kent enjoyed following his passion and love of local history. He was a wealth of knowledge and loved sharing local historical facts with others.

When Alzheimer’s robbed his wife’s memories, he never waivered in providing her the best of care until her passing on Christmas Day, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Francis, Keith, and Maurice.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter: Kim (David) Wood; son: Russ (Gina) Richardson; grandchildren: Ethan (Katrina) Wood; Levi (Halie) Richardson; Rebekah (Tylan) Yeatts; and Kolby (Maddie) Richardson; great-grandchildren: Myers Richardson, Palmer Richardson, and Valley Yeatts; sister-in-law: Sandra Richardson of Greensboro; special caregiver, Bonnie Hale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made in Kent’s memory to the following:

First Church of the Brethren

730 Church Street

Eden, NC 27288

Alzheimer’s Association

Attn: Tribute Gift in Memory of Kent Richardson

Team: Judy’s Smile, Guilford WTEA

4600 Park Road, Suite 250

Charlotte, NC 28209

Ancora Compassionate Care (Hospice)

PO Box 281

Wentworth, NC 27375

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.