Father Leslie Richardson

A much loved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and uncle, Mr. Leslie (Uncle) Richardson, 84, answered the voice of the Lord and passed away peacfully on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Tara Nursing Home, surrounded by his family. He was born June 17, 1928, in Evergreen, Alabama. He was the son of the late Carrie Duncan and Sam Richardson. He is survived by his beloved sister, Evagelist Jessie Mitchell of Philadelphia, PA; two aunts, Ruby Lee Flucker, Mobile, Alabama, and Rebecca Duncan, Evergreen, Alabama. He was preced in death by his brother, Jewel Tallifero of Mobile, Alabama, and his sister, Annie Ree Brown of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Leslie was a painter, a carpenter, an orderly and most importantly, a servant of God. He enjoyed building. In 1942, he helped build a railroad through Mobile, Alabama. His biggest passion was in helping others. In the late 1950's, he moved to Long Beach, New York. He gained employment at Tides Nursing Home, as well as painting and helping to refurbish houses on the side. After over 30 years of service, he retired. Around 1990, Leslie came out of retirement briefly as the House of Refuge was founded, a church, created and built by God, using his hands. Leslie turned his garage into a sanctuary when their basement was too small to hold the congregation. During the majestic flow and growth of the church, Leslie was saved. He and his wife opened their hearts and arms and their home to several children as well as to many different families. After many devoted years of service, he returned to Alabama, and again opened their home to many families. Leslie loved the outdoors and adored life. He believed that family was everything. He took much pride in providing for his family and raising his children, nieces, nephews, and whomever needed him. Therefore, nothing made his smile bigger than a room full of children and giving. Leslie loved the Lord and wanted everyone he knew to know his God. Leslie often told his story of life to those that would listen and his testimony was always Love God.

Leslie moved to Savannah, GA in 2011, where he joined the New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, under the care of Pastor Scotty L. Mitchell. He was appointed the Father of the Church. Leslie served well in his service mentally, physically, and financially. He attended church outings, Bible Study and Sunday School. He continued to enjoy songs of praise and would shout and clap every chance he had. He would often say God is so good.

Leslie was preceded in death by his true love of 45 years, Mother Ethel Gray Richardson of Dixon Mills, Alabama.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two beautiful daughters, Betty Lewis (Woody), of Dixon-Mills, Alabama and Karen Johnson (Steven) of Savannah, Georgia; son, James Jones (Magnolia) of West Hempstead, New York; 19 grandchildren; 38 great-grand children; 8 great-great grand children; two beloved, devoted and special nieces, Stancey Mitchell (Vaughn), of Savannah, Georgia, and Marilyn Yvette Agee of Long Beach, NEw York, and as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service for MR. Leslie Richardson will be held 12 noon Friday, October 12, 2012 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 835 Chevis Road. Interment, Church Cemetery. Reposing at the church, Friday, 10;00 am until hour of service.