Obituary of Virgil Leon Richardson

Virgil Leon Richardson, age 51, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2019 in Pensacola, Florida surrounded by loving family. Virgil was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on September 28, 1967 to Phillip and Luevinia (Wilson) Richardson. He was their youngest son. He proudly served as an infantryman in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault (“Screaming Eagles”) from 1986 to 1989, earning the Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge M16 Rifle, Sharpshooter Badge Hand Grenade, Army Lapel Sutton, and Air Assault Badge. He was honorably discharged with service connected disabilities. He worked for several years at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Appeals Management Center in Washington, D.C. Over the years he lived in many places including Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and finally returned to Florida for good in 2015. Virgil loved to fish and enjoyed spending time on his boat, traveling with his wife, company of family and friends, cooking fabulous southern meals, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys, and living his life in Florida again. He never met a stranger and always made lifelong friends wherever he went. He was a strong man, perpetually optimistic and hardworking, incredibly smart and funny, exceptionally loving and caring, and overall just an extraordinary human being. He never wasted a single moment and enjoyed life to the absolute fullest. His laugh was infectious and his smile could brighten even the darkest day. His absence leaves a void not only in the hearts and lives of those who love him, but in the world in general. He will be so missed by so many. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Luevinia Richardson; sister, Annette Richardson; brothers, Robert Lee Richardson and Phillip Rattley; and best friend, Bill Keeler. Left to cherish the memory of the extraordinary man that he was are his wife, Janette (née White); children, Karoz Virgil Richardson and Javon Virgil Richardson; bonus children, Katelyn Janette White, Ashlee Jordan Richardson, and Noah Jacob Jay; brothers, Robert (Sandra)Anderson, Larry Richardson, John (Denovilee) Richardson, Willie James (Bernice) Richardson, and Charlie Richardson; sister, Genice (James) Dixon; bonus grandchildren, Olivia Mapes, Jace Richardson, Elias Richardson, Norah Richardson and Kashtyn Jay; special nephews, Christopher Richardson, Brandon Richardson, and Kenny Combs; special niece, Malia Richardson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as countless friends; and of course his ever faithful canine companions, Boss Hawg Richardson and Romo Richardson. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to the American Cancer Society and/or the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.