James Walter Richardson, age 71, of Live Oak, FL. passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville following a brief illness. The angels rejoiced and the family praised the Lord for his faithfulness. Walter was a man that never hesitated to testify to the goodness of his God. He prayed with anyone willing listen to the Word and accept the Lord into their lives. He prayed for many souls that were never saved but planted the seed along his way as instructed by the Bible. Walter loved his church and attended Jasper Assembly of God most of his life and in recent years made Live Oak First Assembly of God his church home.

As long as his health permitted, he was faithful to a longtime ministry at the jail. Walter was a family man and was dedicated to his wife, his children and his grandchildren. His children saw him walk hand in hand with the Lord, they saw him lead by example and are proud to call him daddy. Walter was preceded in death by a daughter born prematurely, Joy Richardson and his mother-n-law, Muriel Stewart.

Walter was born in Suwannee County on January 22, 1946 to the late Walter L. and Shellie Smith Richardson. He was a mechanic by trade and was known all over the tri-county area for his work.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Irene Richardson; two sons, James L. Richardson of Rochester, NY and Joseph Richardson (Stacy), of Jasper, FL.; one daughter, Hope Swift and her husband Michael of Lake City, FL.; one brother, Robert and three sisters, Dorothy, Lois and Betty; five grandchildren that he cherished.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the First Assembly of God Church in Live Oak, FL.