Albert Mills Richardson

Albert Richardson, 88, of Jonesboro passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 25th, 2014, in the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. He was born January 8th, 1926, in Thula, Arkansas, a son of the late Columbus and Estella Richardson. He was honorable discharged from the U.S. Army following his faithful services during WW II from 1944 to 1947.
Albert was a long time member of Nettleton Baptist Church. He was a faithful member of the Men’s IV Sunday School class. Albert was deeply devoted to the worship of God and the study of God’s Word. He also enjoyed singing in the church’s senior adult choir with his late wife, Ruby.

Albert has been a leader in numerous Veteran Organizations. He served as Vice-President of the Craighead County Veterans Monument Foundation. Albert was also a member of American Legion Post 21. He was the last surviving charter member of the local Disable American Veterans Chapter established in 1949. Albert was inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame on November 9th, 2012, in honor of his service in the 87th Infantry Division during WW II. In the Battle of the Bugle he was serious wounded and lost his left arm to enemy fire and suffered leg wounds so serious that he spent three years in Army hospitals. He was very proud of the Medals he earned including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Metal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, American campaign Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Service Ribbon w/2 Bronze Service Stars (Rhineland and Ardennes Campaigns), Expert Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.
After his military discharge, Albert returned to Arkansas and began physical rehabilitation at the VA Hospital in Little Rock. He wasn’t physically able to go into the civilian work force, so using the GI Bill; he enrolled in the Little Rock Draughon’s Business School and after two years of study received an Associate Degree in Business Management. He initially found employment with Sears and then two different small Insurance agencies in Northeast Arkansas. Later, he decided to get his Real Estate License and go into business for himself in commercial and residential real estate development.

Albert was preceded in death by his first wife Norrean, their sons Dwight and Bruce, and his second wife Ruby and eight siblings.
Albert is survived by his sons, Dwayne Richardson of Jonesboro; Thomas (Tina) of Modesto, California; James (Tricia) of Tupelo, Mississippi; Seven grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at Nettleton Baptist Church on March 1, 2014 at 3 p.m. with Dr. Stan Ballard officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge. Burial will be private with active pallbearers being: Paul Harrison, James Richardson, Thomas Richardson, Chris Richardson, Jonathan Richardson, and Dwayne Richardson.

Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Nettleton Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the DAV local chapter #26, P.O. Box 195, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403.