Obituary of Lawrence Richardson

MARION, VIRGINIA: LAWRENCE D. RICHARDSON, age 80, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, Virginia. He was born April 17, 1933 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Russell and Emma Davis Richardson. He graduated from Marion High and attended North Carolina State University. Lawrence was actively engaged in farming from 1948 until he retired in 1987. He served in many civic positions and organizations including being a founding member of both the Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department and Adwolfe Ruritan Club. He served as President of Thomas Bridge Water Corporation for five years during organization and construction and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County and also as Executive Director for two years. Lawrence was a former member of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors and also served on the boards of the Smyth County Planning Commission, Smyth County Social Services and served 15 years on the Smyth County Electoral Board. In 2010 he was elected to the New River Highlands Resource Conservation and Development Area Hall of Fame. He loved history and music and especially loved listening to his friends play bluegrass. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Richardson. Lawrence is survived by the love of his life, Carole Wassum Rosenbaum; sister-in-law, Helen Richardson; one niece, Robin Richardson; two nephews, Mark Richardson and wife, Kelly and David "Sport" Richardson and wife, Kay; six great-nieces and great-nephews, Ashton, Taylor, Luke, Eli, Kyle and Emma; and one great-great-nephew Colton. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, Marion, Virginia with the Reverend John Graham officiating. Graveside Services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chilhowie, Virginia. The family will receive friends Friday evening following the Funeral Service at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wayne C. Henderson Music Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 531 Galax, VA 24333 or the Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department, 104 Thomas Bridge Road, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Richardson Family.