William W. Richardson III

It is with sadness that the family of William W. “Billy” Richardson III announced his death on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at the age of 78. He died peacefully at Chelsea, his beloved home of more than 50 years. Born Aug. 12, 1939, to William and Ellen Richardson, Billy was the oldest of three children. He grew up in New Kent County and graduated from New Kent High School. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended The College of William & Mary where he graduated –between hangovers—from law school in 1966. Upon his father’s tragic death, Billy took over his law practice in Providence Forge where he practiced for more than 30 years. During his career, he also served as commissioner of accounts for New Kent County. He also took over his mother’s and father’s home—Chelsea—and committed himself to it like Scarlett O’Hara did to Tara. The land along the Mattaponi River would always be his first love, and he could often be found shirtless sitting behind the wheel of his Wheel Horse lawn mower with young son, Erik, leading the charge—unknowingly learning the ropes of caring for the never-ending yard work that would ensue. Yes, Billy had a knack for putting his children to work in a game-like fashion, rewarding the winner of “cigarette butt-pick-up” or “who can give Daddy the best massage” with a cherry slush puppy from the West Point Pilot gas station. Always the life of the party, Billy believed strongly in a “work hard, play harder” philosophy. Happiest when surrounded by others, Billy set the mood with his signature sounds—from Earth, Wind & Fire to Eric Clapton to a classical Mozart concerto blaring from hidden speakers situated across the property. He knew no stranger, opening his doors and his acreage to a revolving door of parties—from the toga variety to skinny dips in the pool to a series of legendary black tie affairs. He could recite one dirty joke after another without skipping a beat, and often was the last to leave the dance floor. He taught his daughter, Christie, to dance without leading and to dive without making too much of a splash. His son learned that the job wasn’t worth doing if you didn’t do it right the first time. And he had to accept that Parkinson’s disease would lead his feet off the dance floor, diabetes would tame his tolerance, and years of sunning without sunscreen would put an end to his summer skinny dips. Billy is survived by his brother, Carter Richardson (Nancy); sister, Barbara Pearson (Melvin); son, Erik; daughter, Christie (DJ); four grandchildren, Brianna, Ian, Sydney and Morgan; caregiver, Don Lee Masterson; best friends, Bill and Karen Bennett; extended family and friends. A private burial will be held Monday, Dec. 18, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Point Rescue Squad, PO Box X, West Point, VA 23181.

William W. Richardson III

August 12, 1939 - December 11, 2017