ELLERBE — The Rev. Wayne D. Richardson of Ellerbe, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
Born to the late David Clinton Richardson and Easdale Shaw Taylor Richardson on April 14, 1944 in Richmond County.
He began his walk with the Lord at the age of 13, when he accepted Him as his Savior while attending Bethel Baptist Church. After accepting the Lord, he served his church in various ways as a Sunday school teacher, choir leader, deacon, and in many other areas. He then felt the call of the Lord to preach, and he was licensed, and ordained by Bethel Baptist Church. He served his Lord and Saviour for more than 50 years as a Southern Baptist pastor.
Over the course of his ministry, he served six churches as their pastor and as an interim pastor at several others. He started Derby Baptist church in Richmond County in 1971, serving it until 1974; Laurel Street Baptist in Albemarle from 1974 until 1977; Norman Baptist in Norman from 1978 until 1986; North Lumberton Baptist in Lumberton from 1986 until 1993; Fairmont Park Baptist in High Point from 1993 until 2006; and Oak Grove Baptist in Albemarle from 2008 until 2022.
Over the years, he also worked with various businesses and organizations, including 13 years with Guildford County Schools.
He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Shirley Richardson of the home; son, David Richardson of Ellerbe; son, Samuel Richardson (Tabitha) of Roxboro; granddaughter, Addison Richardson, and grandson, Jeremiah Richardson, both of Roxboro. He is also survived by his brother, Legrand Richardson of Rockingham; and sisters, Evonne Phillips of Leland, Annette Dawkins of Ellerbe, Mazeleen Stewart of Ellerbe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Mary Lena Bristow, and brothers, David Wiley Richardson, Wilbur Richardson, Athos Richardson, and Worth Richardson.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellerbe with the Rev. Flynn Richardson and the Rev. Wayne Luck officiating. Interment will follow in Ellerbe Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to Mission Dignity, P.O. Box 819109, Dallas, TX 75381-9109; or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
