Joseph Franklin Richardson

Joe Richardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2025.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Deborah Richardson, and their three daughters: Kimberly Pierson and her husband, Matt; Jonae Davis and her husband, Brett; and Heather Wilkie and her fiancé, Francis.

Joe was a proud and loving Paw to seven grandchildren: Emory, Eden, Madelynn, Isabella, Owen, Leo, and Luca. He is also survived by his brother, Lewis Richardson, and his wife, Jackie. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ima Dee Richardson.

Born and raised in Troutdale, Virginia, Joe graduated from Independence High School and later earned his teaching certificate from Southwest Virginia Community College. He dedicated 31 years of his life to teaching auto-body and collision repair at the Russell County Career and Technology Center. During his career, he actively supported students through the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), traveling across the country to coach them in competitions.

Outside of work, Joe was always on the move. He loved enjoying time with his family and friends, being outdoors, and fishing at his favorite local spots. Joe took pride in mowing his lawn to perfection and tending to his vegetable garden. He was always working on projects around the house or camping in his RV with family. Nothing brought him more joy than spending precious time with his grandchildren and taking peaceful drives through the mountains with Debbie. He was known for his generous heart and his constant willingness to help others, whether it was lending tools to a neighbor, sharing his garden's harvest, or offering his skilled hands to fix whatever needed repairing.

Joe was a faithful member of Woodland Hills Christian Church in Meadowview, where he devoted his time and talents to church projects and serving the community.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Woodland Hills Christian Church, Meadowview Campus (13108 Lindell Road, Meadowview, VA 24361). The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Jonathan Sells and Kenny Price. A private graveside service will follow.

Pallbearers will be Matt Pierson, Brett Davis, Rodney Frye, Joe Yarber, Cecil Brown, George Strong, and Robert Everage. Honorary pallbearers include Lewis Richardson, Eddie Richardson, Doyle Crosswhite, Rick Ratliff, Kerry Compton, Rich Pannell, Tom Wilkinson, and Eddie Lawson

The family extends heartfelt thanks to their many friends and loved ones for the care and support shown over the past several months, and to the Ballad Health Hospice team for their compassionate service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Russell County Career and Technology Center, 304 Career Tech Drive, Lebanon, VA 24266 or Woodland Hills Christian Church – Meadowview Campus, 13108 Lindell Road, Meadowview, VA 24361.

The family of Joe Richardson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon, Virginia, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.