William Kenneth Richardson

Mr. William Kenneth Richardson, 99, died December 22, 2014 at his home in Hot Springs. He was born to William Henry and Sarah Ellen (Henderson) Richardson on November 24, 1915. His parents and three siblings Eugene Richardson, Leslie Richardson and Gertie Canterbury preceded him in death. On September 16, 1939 he wed Mary Ella Mabry, a marriage that produced three children and lasted until her death in 2003. He is survived by son Kenneth Dale (Jai) Richardson of Thailand; daughters Sharon Kay (Stan) Ramey of Malvern and Karen Mabry (Richard) Gambel, of Little Rock; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and also a special friend, Myrtle Qualls of Hot Springs. Mr. Richardson was a farmer in Clay County, Arkansas for many years, retiring to Hot Springs in 1997. He was also an Army veteran of WWII, seeing combat infantry action in the Po Valley and Apennine Campaigns of Italy. He won two bronze stars. A member of Shiloh Baptist church near Corning, Arkansas for many years, he became a member and deacon at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church at Hot Springs in later years. A quiet, shy man Mr. Richardson never sought attention, but was always generous with his time and money to his church, many charities and anyone he thought he might help. Services will be Dec. 27, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning, Arkansas with Carl Thomason officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at noon until the funeral service. Burial will be at Richwoods Cemetery west of Corning. Memorials may be made to Richwoods Cemetery Association, 561 CR 131, Corning 72422. Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com.