Harold Richardson Jr.

Harold “Richie” Richardson, Jr., age 48, passed away on December 30, 2025, at his home in Carrollton, Virginia. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Stephanie, and a steadfast source of guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love to his son, Wyatt, whom he considered his closest companion. His family was the center of his life.

Born on October 13, 1977, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Richie was the son of the late Harold Richardson, Sr., and Alice Richardson of Smithfield, Virginia. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Hampton, Virginia, where he faithfully served as a Boy Scout leader.

Richie graduated from Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, in 1995. During his high school years, he distinguished himself as an avid learner with a particular passion for mathematics and foreign languages. He was selected to participate in a student exchange program in Germany and attended the Governor’s School at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where he pursued advanced studies in German.

Guided by an enduring curiosity and a desire to explore the world, Richie continued his academic journey at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia; Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia; and the Free University of Berlin in Berlin, Germany. These experiences deepened his appreciation for global learning and cultural exchange.

Beyond his academic interests, Richie was an accomplished and enthusiastic cook, especially known for his skill in grilling and smoking meats. His smoked turkeys became a cherished tradition at holiday gatherings among family and friends. Richie possessed a rare warmth that made others feel welcomed, valued, and understood. His kindness was effortless, his laughter infectious, and his ability to connect with people remarkable. He never met a stranger and delighted in hearing the stories of those he encountered. He dedicated himself to creating a home filled with love, humor, and lasting memories.

He was employed as a Knowledge Management Director for Joint Task Force Civil Support at Fort Eustis, Va. He found great joy in his work and formed meaningful relationships within the Command. Richie received numerous performance awards reflecting his outstanding skills and knowledge. The quality of his work was reflected throughout the command as a job well done.

Richie is survived by his wife, Stephanie Richardson; his son, Wyatt Richardson; his sister, Rochelle Richardson (Stormy Anthony); his mother, Alice Richardson; his nieces, Dekota Horning, Ellagrace, Joanna, and Francis Kays; and numerous extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Richardson, Sr.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 16, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. James United Methodist Church in Hampton, Virginia.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, you are welcome to join us on Facebook live on the St. James United Methodist Church page.

Richie will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, generosity, and the warmth he shared with others throughout his life.