Robert Dale “Birdie” Richardson, age 74, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2021 at his home after a long illness. He was born in Marion, Virginia on October 17, 1946, son of the late Sherril Richardson and Bessie Testerment Richardson. Dale also was preceded in death by two step-mothers, Lois Parks Richardson and Georgie Tilson Richardson. A sister, Sue Dillman, a step-brother Bill Tilson. Dale graduated from Marion Senior High School, Marion, Virginia in 1966 and Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. His love and athletic abilities was assurance that he would be a coach upon graduation. He was a High School Athletic Director, Teacher, and Coach in boys’ sports for forty years. One of his great accomplishments was winning the Florida State Varsity Boys Basketball Championship in 1992. Dale’s compassion was mentoring and coaching young athletes. He always stated, “my coaching was a tool I used as a ministry for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to help train young people into being all God created them to be. I was able to use a tin hoop and a round ball to influence athletes for Christ.” Dale was an active member of First Coast Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida where he taught Sunday School until his health declined. Dale served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne and Viet Nam War. He served in heaviest battles in the TET Offensive and was awarded two bronze stars with oakleaf clusters for act of bravery. He was so proud to have served our country. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gilda Lowe Richardson, Jacksonville, Florida. He was so proud of His two sons, Coach Scottie Dale Richardson (wife Sara) Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Reggie Darren Richardson, Jacksonville, Florida, His pride and joy….Two grandchildren, John Myles Richardson and Piper Dale Richardson, Raleigh, North Carolina, A special friend of the family, James David Wood, Jacksonville, Florida, Also survived by his brother, Willie Richardson and wife Phyllis, Marion, Virginia, A sister, Charlotte Powers Bennett, Marion, Virginia, Step-Brother, Danny Tilson, Springfield, Virginia, A step-sister, Virginia Tilson Thompson, Bristol, Virginia, Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of the students he taught and athletes he coached, his best friends, brother-in-law, Johnny Russell (wife Karen Lowe Russell) Chilhowie, VA, And first cousin, Ray Kirby, (wife Sue Kirby) Frederick, MD.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that any donations be made to any Veterans Association in Memory of Robert Richardson.
Visitation Details Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32221
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Tuesday, April 27, 2021 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Service Details Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32221
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 PM
Colleen Condon (Friend)
October 13, 2022, 10:16 am
Gilda, Scottie and Reggie We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you all love, comfort and prayers during this dif
Courtney Lowe (Extended Family)
October 13, 2022, 10:17 am
Coach Richardson attended the church I attended some years ago. He was a very kind and gentle man. He made a great impact on my daughter, Ari Pauly and she on him. She loved him very much as she knew him from the school. Every time I would see him after she graduated he would say ‘How is your daughter, Ari, doing Tell her I said hello.’ He genuinely cared about the students he taught as well as probably everyone he came into contact with. He was THAT kind of man of God. I know he is greatly missed. Prayers to his family.
Danny Kilby (Friend)
October 13, 2022, 10:17 am
Dear Gilda, My thoughts are with you and your family. I lost a dear friend and there is another star in heaven. You saved both Birdie and me and he loved you so very much. Everytime I pass kids playing basketball I see Birdie and me years ago. He was truly a lifetime friend. God bless you and Birdie. Love,
Daniel White (Family Friend)
October 13, 2022, 10:18 am
Coach Dale Richardson was my Bible teacher in high school and I grew to know him and his dear family over the last 25 plus years. He was an incredible mentor, a strong defender of the faith and also a dear friend. His family is so blessed to have had him in their lives and although I know they will miss him dearly, Praise God we will all see him again in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Me and my wife Angie send our deepest sympathies to the Richardson family. May God grant them peace in knowing that Coach Dale Richardson is alive and well in the presence of Jesus. ‘Absent From The Body, Is Present with the Lord. Until we meet again coach. Say Hello To My Dad Fo Me Coach. I’m sure you both are enjoying your eternal home together with Jesus
Lonnie &Patsy Moore Thomas (Friend Classmate)
October 13, 2022, 10:18 am
Dear Gilda and Family, So very sorry for your loss Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Grant you peace, comfort and strength. God Bless. Love to all my sweet friend
Rita A Farias (Friend)
October 13, 2022, 10:18 am
Birdie, your faith, determination, and drive through all these years of friendship have made an impact upon me. So close to death so many times, and yet so determined to live and overcome all the obstacles the Lord gave you. You have earned your reward, my friend. I envy you to finally set eyes on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It pained my this past year that I was unable to visit you and Gilda, because of COVID. Rest in peace my friend.
Donna Greenwood (Friend)
October 13, 2022, 10:20 am
My thoughts, prayers and love go out to the whole family. Birdie and I were classmates but he always felt more like a brother. He will always have a place in my heart. Gilda, may you find strength in the knowledge that God has a special court in heaven for Birdie to continue his lifes mission. I love you.