Melvin Lee Richardson

Melvin Lee Richardson, 86, of Ellerbe, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst. Mr. Richardson was born December 4, 1927 in Richmond County, a son of the late Jeter Baxter and Temperance Belle Jenkins Richardson. He was a graduate of Rockingham High School and a member and trustee of Ellerbe First Baptist Church. He retired from L.G. Dewitt Trucking Co as refrigeration and trailer foreman and was a director with Richardson’s Thermal Control. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Gilmer Richardson, brothers, Charlie, Frank, Roland and Baxter Richardson and sisters, Esther Carter, Polly Andrews and Lucille Haywood. Surviving are his children, Robert Richardson (Linda) of Elizabethtown, Brion Richardson ( Evelyn) of Derby, Ricky Richardson ( Audrey) of Ellerbe, Dr. Melva Bowman (Kip) of Rockingham; grandchildren, Aaron Richardson, Michael Deason, Amber Deason, Daniel Richardson, Jason Richardson, Aaron Hyde, Jessa Hyde, David Richardson, Amanda Bowman, Matthew Bowman, Sarah Bowman; seven great grandchildren; sister Emma Starling ( Lynwood) of Rockingham and many dear nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Friday at Ellerbe First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jim Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Rockingham. The family will see friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at Ricky and Audrey’s Home in Ellerbe. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 222 S. Church St., Suite 303 Charlotte, NC 28202 or to the Derby Fire Department, 2179 E Derby Rd, Ellerbe, NC 28338.