Johnson Ray Richardson, 87 of Hillsville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006 at Tazewell Community Hospital. He was born December 17, 1918 in Carroll County and was the son of the late Hobert and Blanche Richardson of Sylvatus.

Ray joined the Army and proudly served his country in World War II. He spent most of his life in Florida, retiring from the Clearwater Country Club as a professional grounds keeper before moving back to Carroll County to make his home with Vernon and Freida White.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife Cora Richardson; brothers Harvey Richardson and Raymond Richardson; and a sister Clara Dillard.

Survivors include sisters & brothers-in-law Freida & Vernon White of Hillsville, Gertrude and Saford Akers of Pulaski, Maxine Allison of Hampton, Oneda Bell Chrisley of Hillsville, Colleene White of Troutville and Berta Jennings of Hillsville; special caretaker Asterie Cox of Tazewell; special niece Monique Surratt and many more nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Pastor Everett Cox officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville, V.F.W. Post 1115. Burial will follow in the Florida National Cemetery where Ray will be laid to rest with his wife Cora. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday night from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.