Gary W. Richardson

Gary Wilmer Richardson, 85, of West Columbia, SC, passed into eternity on Friday, December 19, 2025, at his home. He was born on April 26, 1940, in Fair Play, SC to the late Wilmer Robert and Maggie Grant Richardson.

Gary was a kind and loving man, husband, father, and grandfather. As a lifelong resident of South Carolina, Gary spent the majority of his years in West Columbia where he was not just a familiar face, but a cherished member of the community. He was a 25-year retired veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard and retired as a meat cutter at the Fort Jackson Commissary as well as local grocery stores. His work was not just a job for him, but a way to serve his community. He was a devoted Christian and a member of Pineview Baptist Church. In recent years, he enjoyed watching services of First Baptist Columbia on television and singing along to the worship music.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Seyfer Richardson of West Columbia; his children, Melodee Ann Woodmansee (Daryl) of Lexington, Tammy Elizabeth “Beth” Free (Larry) of Moncks Corner, Greig Brandon Richardson (Yvette) of Lexington, Charles Brian Richardson (Sherrie) of Lexington, and Timothy Wayne “Tim” Richardson (Anna) of James Island; his sister: Violet “Tennie” (Harry) Tollison, of Fair Play; eleven grandchildren, Kristy Alvarez (Jose), Michele Cushing (Ryan), Tyler Richardson (Karly), Dustin Richardson, Noah Richardson (Kenlee), Callahan Richardson, Olivia Free Woodward (Jeffrey), Mason Richardson (Hannah), Jesse Free, Beckham Richardson, Isabella Richardson; thirteen great-grandchildren, Landon Lucas, Gisella Alvarez, Liam Lucas, Alana Alvarez, Wyatt Richardson, Giana Alvarez, Camryn Cushing, Allie Richardson, Ariella Alvarez, Millie Richardson, Myles Richardson, Cade Cushing, and Ella Richardson.

In addition to his parents, Gary predeceased by his sister, Betty Richardson Willbanks; and his brothers, Robert Ray “Little Ray” Richardson, Joe Lane Richardson, and Leonard Ted Richardson.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, December 26, 2025 at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Burial will follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

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