John Richardson

John Richardson the son of the late Willis and Ethel Richardson was born on August 17, 1936 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He attended Rocky Mount public Schools. John went into the United States Air Force at the age of seventeen. HIs first duty station was Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, North Carolina.  He served in Vietnam and returned back to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

He later met Geneva McNair in 1965 and they married on September 3, 1968. He instantly became the father of Six Children.  His last overseas tour of duty was at Yokota Air Force Base, in Japan.  His last duty station was Langley Air Force Base, Hampton VA where he retired after 20 years 6 months and 20 days.

After retiring from the Air Force John went to New Horizon, in Hampton and gained his HVAC Certification.  While attending school John opened his first family business, a discounted shoe store, located on Kecoughtan Road.  Eventually he owned and operated his HVAC business in 1984 affectionately known as JR’s Heating & Air Condition, Refrigeration Services. He trained and employed numerous men in the Hampton and Newport News area. After 35 years, he decided to retire and closed the business.

John joined Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Browlee Hailstock and was baptized on May 21,1989, he later joined Chesapeake Christian Center and returned to Zion Baptist Church in 2017 under the leadership of Rev. Joshua N. King.  John was a true man of faith, he loved to sing gospel music, reading the bible and always carried a pocket bible in his shirt pocket. He was a man of a few hobbies, he was a member of a CB club for many years.  He enjoyed fishing, hand dancing with his wife and family gatherings.

John was preceded in death by his three sons John McNair, Melvin McNair, Aaron McNair and one daughter Jacqueline McNair Harris-Dawson. Two sisters Ethel Gantt and Irene Mozell. Three Brothers Roosevelt Richardson, Robert Richardson and Micky Richardson.

He leaves to cherish his memories wife of 57 years Geneva Richardson, two sons, John Boone (April) and Vergil Richardson of Hampton, VA; two daughters Deaconess Joyce Brooks and Mary McNair of Hampton VA 15 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren; One Brother James Richardson; Two Brother-In- Laws Raymond Gantt and Robert Howell; One Sister-In-Law Sonya Walker (Carl). Three Daughter-In-Laws Karen McNair-Rutledge, Kendra McNair-Bynum and  McNairA host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

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