Pat, in your honor, your nickname has been passed down in my family. We were waiting to enter the church for my dad's funeral on Saturday when my brother emerges from the bathroom. My sister Brenda went over to give him a big hug which he replied "What? 2 hugs? You already hugged me. Why am I so special?" She then replies... my husband (Paul) said I should come over and hug you to be your cover while you fix your pants. Upon hearing this I informed him he has now inherited the nickname "Zippy" (#2) in honor of my beloved brother in law. It seems you are everywhere Zippy reminding us of you. As if we could ever forget you! This past Monday my sister Brenda (same one) was having heart surgery and we all were waiting for an updated report. Her husband Paul came into the waiting room and after a few minutes my husband Derrick said ..."I can't take it any longer... Paul ... zip up your pants."  We all had a good laugh and also nicknamed him Zippy #3. So we will all continue to remember you in a funny, loving and happy way. It was an honor to have known you and a pleasure being your sister in law. I will never forget all the wonderful advice you gave and the laughs we all had. Derrick and I will always be there for Chris and the girls just like I know you would have done the same for us. Say hello to my dad for me. I love and miss you both so much.

I was so sad to hear of Pat's passing.  He was a wonderful man and so full of life.  My heart goes out to Pat's family.

My sincerest condolences to the Family. I worked with Zippy at FedEx indirectly and now I so wish I would have gotten to know him so much more than I did. I always enjoyed our interaction and it was always engaging and fun. I helped keep the District Webpage and Zippy was one of the only people who would call me and say, hey can we put this up there and Id say yeah, we can. He gave me great ideas about work stuff - then he said to me- Can you put the UT Sports page Link up there- and since he was the only one giving me ideas, I said yeah, we can. He said he did not want to go to 2 different places to get his work done, so it kept him on the same page, it remains there this day and will remain in his honor. It humbles me to read all the wonderful posts about a great man and our loss here, is Heavens gain. 
To Mrs. Richardson- my sincere condolences on the loss of your Husband. One thing that resonates on these posts and from everyone I have spoken to, Zippy was an amazing family man. I pray God keeps you in his graces during this tough time.
To Zippys Daughters- when I was 12, I lost my Father- and I will never forget the people I did not know coming up to me and telling me how much my Dad meant to them, or what he did for them. It sticks with me to this day- some 35 years later. I hope all the warm stories and loving impact your Dad had on so many people makes you proud and his legacy is one of a Great Man, caring, loving and FUN. I hope the fun, warm memories you shared with your Dad can help get you through this tough time. 
To Zippys Mom and Dad- one of the primary roles I have is to try to raise my 4 kids to be positive influences on others and become good people. Whenever I meet someone like that, I always consider their Parents- the parents build the child. My hats off to the both of you for an incredible job well done. You did a magnificent job guiding your Son into a great man who has had a profound impact on so many people. God Bless the both of you and keep you in his graces.
To the rest of Zippys Family- from my family and I, our sincerest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful Man. 
The world will miss such a Man- Enjoy the ride in Heaven Zip, I hope to meet you again someday. 

Red Bardes

I'm a FedEx retiree who worked with Pat at FedEx in Chattanooga.  He was the best Senior Manager, or manager of any sort, that I worked with.  On many occasions he put extra time and effort into helping me and helping customers.  No customer was too small to be important to Pat and no customer concern was too small for him to take action to deal with.  As I told him, he would take time to help me with things other Senior Managers would have refused to be bothered with.

One note mentions never seeing Pat get mad.  I think it is a good reflection on him that the time I saw him get most angry was when one of the sheriffs on my extended route endangered my safety by spouting off on TV about how FedEx helped them intercept a drug shipment that was on my van.  Pat stood up for his employee with so much enthusiasm that the sheriff had someone call Memphis to complain! 

It was always clear from what he said and did that if someone had asked him how he felt about his wife and daughters, he would have replied, "I am the luckiest man in the world."

One of my proudest moments at FedEx was on my last day there when Pat offered to write a letter of recomendation for me.  It was so nice that I wish my Dad could have been alive to read it.

One note quotes an email in which Pat speaks of his faith.  It comforts me that we had conversations in which he expressed a sincere Christian faith.  Since we are all saved by grace, I'm glad I can say with confidence: "See you later, Pat."

Pat , I will miss you friend. You will never be forgotten.

I have known Pat since April 1969 when my family moved to Memphis from up north.  The  2nd grade teacher sat me next to Pat and we became friends instantly.  Mostly, that was because Pat saw that I was a 'yankee' in a new place and befriended me - which was just his nature. He made everyone feel as though they were his best friend. Fortunately, he and I both changed schools and wound up at our new school together. 

Through the next 40+ years, even though there were periods where we were out of touch, we always picked up right where we left off the last time that we had seen each other.  Pat was the best "audience" that anyone could have. He was the best entertainer that anyone could be around.  We went to many high school dances and get togethers and he was always getting the group to laugh. He and I had many 'inside' jokes that we would refer to all of the time. 

In recent years, as we would get together for annual reunions, Pat was the guy that everyone most looked forward to seeing again.  He bragged about his wife and family.  He was proud to have Papa Joe play golf with us. 

You couldn't spend any time with Pat and not be laughing and smiling throughout the conversation.

Saying 'so long' is tough to do.  Save a place for all of us when we meet again.

Godspeed to you my friend!!

Forever in our hearts! 
The Abeds.. Majide, Melissa, Mekenzie and Maddie

To my good friend Pat Richardson.  After reading several of the other entries, not sure I can say anything that has not been touched on, except to give my gratitude to a good friend.  He was an inspiration to work for, and always quick with a laugh.  I remember working for him when he first came to Fedex in Chattanooga, they placed me on a new route, and I had several "lates".  I remember Pat coming downtown and delivering pkgs in his personal car.  I thought I was in soooo much trouble, but he didn't fire me...so it was a good day...God bless your family and give them strength.  God Bless you Pat, it was an honor and a pleasure my friend...

Pat visited UT with my brother Bert and friends before they enrolled. They stayed at my house. They were great guys and we had a good time.  Some time later I saw some pictures of Pat skydiving.  Since I've become an avid skydiver, I've told Bert on a few occasions I wanted to jump with him.  Regretfully I never had the chance.  Pat, "blue skies", I love you man....... I will dirt dive and form a twelve way formation in your honor.

God is with you,

Leo

Pat has touched more lives in so many different ways than anyone could imagine. I have been his employee, friend, and mentored by him the last 11 years. I’ve seen him change plans to help others, take time for others when he didn't have it, and would advise on situations that would turn out long after you would remember the advice. I've had the benefit of a father figure as well as mentor. He helped me make choices in life I wasn't sure about and guided my focus at FedEx. No party was complete unless he was there. His charisma brightened any room. He will be missed in so many facets. God Bless You Pat, May you have the party rolling when the rest of us get there.

Words cannot explain how much I am going to miss one my best friends who I dearly loved like a brother. We spend over 12 yrs as good friends and shared alot of good times together. In times of need during our classes at Covenant College when Pat would help with figure out how to do something on the computer he had a way to calm me down and help me with the solution. Our times on the golf course were the best when we would laugh until we cried over the smallest things.  We were friends from day one and Pat had that kind of personality to do that with everybody he met.  Life will not be the same without you JP....
This morning I jogged by his home and saw his car where I use to write "Gator"comments on his windshield with the dew. He would always call me laughing knowing who it was all along.  Well I could go on forever about JP but his time on this earth was cut short but hey God needs a few good senior managers to help him out.  I will always love you JP. The Glass Family will always be there for Christine, Alex, Taylor, Papa Joe and Rosemary...

God love you brother...

Jeff

My heart goes out to Christine, Alex, Taylor, Family, FedEx Family & friends.  Pat has left his footprint on each of our hearts!!!  He never met a stranger.  He made each of us feel special.  He touched our lives in so many wonderful ways and he will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him.  We were blessed to have known Pat "Zippy" Richardson.

As one of Christine's cousins who doesn't live in the area, I haven't gotten to see Pat so much over the years, but boy does he make an impression! As many others have said, Pat always had a smile and something hilariously funny to say to make you laugh. As horribly sad and tragic as this truly is, I do think Pat would want people that he loved to share laughter and fond memories of times with him. Christine, Alex, and Taylor, my heart is breaking for you and I want you to know that I know from personal experience that he is very close to you, especially right now, as you are going through such intense pain so take heart in knowing he is with you. Much love to you,
Allison Albrecht

To Pat's family and close friends, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.  Pat was one of those people we could always count on to lift our spirits just by his joyful presence, and that will be a huge loss for all of us.  I worked with Pat at FedEx and was always moved by his integrity, his character and his whole-hearted love for his family.  He was a good, good man.  May God bless you and keep you in His Grace and grant you peace.

Words can not express the impact Zippy had on me and my family.  My 4 boys loved him like a brother, as did I.  I feel truly blessed to have had such a great friend and will always cherish the many, many memories we have made.

Pat was a great friend, mentor, and leader. He loved his family and his team. He always knew how to put a positive twist on any negative event. I will miss the random phone calls about a joke that he heard or even asking how my family and my dog (which he like to call The Predator) was doing. He was a huge movie buff and was always quoting lines from movies that he viewed. If he saw all the tears in his love one eyes right now; I know he would say, "NOT UP IN HERE" (from the movie Hangover)

The Wolf Pack lost a great leader that could never be replaced. We will be strong and supported of each other in your absence. 

Love,

Goose 
Frank West

Pat was a great friend, mentor, and leader. He loved his family and his team. He always knew how to put a positive twist on any negative event. I will miss the random phone calls about a joke that he heard or even asking how my family and my dog (which he like to call The Predator) was doing. He was a huge movie buff and was always quoting lines from movies that he viewed. If he saw all the tears in his love one eyes right now; I know he would say, "NOT UP IN HERE" (from the movie Hangover)

The Wolf Pack lost a great leader that could never be replaced. We will be strong and supported of each other in his absence. 

Love,

Goose 
Frank West

It’s been said that only the good die young, and it is absolutely true of Pat Richardson. I first met Pat when he and his family moved in across the street from me about thirteen years ago. Pat was always a caring and giving and he truly loved his wife and daughters. I will always be grateful of the time he took his and my daughter to the father-daughter dance when I had to work; he always treated my kids as if they were his own. I will really miss seeing Pat and having our roadside chats and laughs.

For Christine, Alex, Taylor, Deana, Mike, and for our dear brother and sister, Richie and Rose Mary - We have not lost Pat because we know where he is. He is experiencing the joy of Christ's presence in a place so wonderful that Christ called it Paradise. And one day, we'll all be reunited and will be with the Lord forever.  We have loved you all your life, Pat, and you will always be in our hearts.  Grant him eternal rest, O Lord, and may Your light shine on him forever.  Aunt Mary Jo and Uncle Sandy

I am a dispatcher with FedEx in Little Rock.  Pat was working out of Memphis, as a dispatch manager and became my dispatch manager.  I had not had a dispatch manager that knew too much about dispatching until he came along.  He taught me so much and I grew to respect and love him. He became not just a manager but a friend. I have some fond memories of him. I will miss him, even though I haven't been around him in several years. My sympathy and prayers to the Family.

As I have been reading all these notes, one thing remains constant.  Pat touched so many lives in so many ways.  His heart was of gold, his eyes smiled with quick wit and his sweet nature and compassion for others is apparent by the lives he touched.  I have no doubt he is smiling down on all of us.  Love to the Richardson family, Shirley Istvanko Carson

I worked for Pat several years in Chattanooga at FedEx. I will always be grateful to him for helping me transfer to various locations as I followed my husband's career to several different cities. It was a lot of fun working with him and I would stop by and say hi to him at FedEx when visiting Chattanooga. I enjoyed hearing about what Christine and the girls were doing. He was truly a loving husband and father. When the girls were little, he would share with such pride the cute things that they would say and do. Christine, Alex, and Taylor you were truly loved and adored. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

What a man - what a friend! You will be missed by so many.  To know Pat was to love him.

I'm so sad to hear this.....we will miss our fearless leader from Quest Group 164!! My husband reminded me about an incident last night.....It was late one night after our Quest class and I went to my car to leave only to find it wouldn't start. Somehow Pat found out and stayed with me the entire time until my husband arrived. He was a kind, generous man that loved people...and especially loved his family.

Pat will be missed by a lot of people including me. I want the family to know my thoughts and prayer's are with you all and I wish I could be there to say goodbye. He will live on in spirit with all of us . LOVE U LOTZ Mark Turnage

Pat was the 5th of the 10 first cousins.  As we grew up we all went our separate ways and the ability to all get together became difficult.  Contacts were lost but never the memories of our childhood years.  The last time I saw Pat was at our Nana's (grandmother) funeral in Feb 2001.  We reminiseced about our childhood years and to where we were then. We cried together because we lost someone we loved very much.  Today I cry for loss of my cousin Pat.  My heart is breaking and goes out to Uncle Richie, Aunt Rosemary, Christina, his girls, Mike and Dena.  I have enjoyed the pictures and I love you, Teri

I met Pat when I worked with him at Memphis Dispatch from 1987-1991.  He was always comic relief and he would put me in stitches!  He was one of the few people that influenced me to become a cat person.  He had a great cat named Lamar (which actually was found on Lamar Ave) that would always greet him at the door by jumping on his shoulder.  He also had a wonderful dog named Winchester.  I always thought how funny that he would named his pets after Memphis street names.  He was truly a good friend of mine.  I am so grateful whenever he came to Memphis for a management meeting that he would make the time to come by to see me.   Lastly, I will always remember him giving me the nickname Pooh-yang because he jokingly said I shouldn't go around not having a Chinese name.  I will cherish this memory because that was so him!  He will be truly missed!!!

We met Pat and Christine at our neighborhood pool & immediately became great friends. Our girls went to school together and played volleyball in middle school together. Pat was just like one of the women lol! always helping out at school with anything he needed to do. He loved chrisitine and his girls very much and he was always showing that in the extra mile he took to do things for them. He was always surprising them with little gifts and things. He defiantely put others first. He gave our son a wonderful opportunity by hiring him at FedEx and we will forever be greatful to him for that. He is a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He found it in his heart to love us anyawy even though we are gator fans! now thats a friend. We will miss you very much but NEVER forget you.

I met Pat threw my daughter and son-in-law and have been fiends with him and his family ever since. He was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed. Our prays are with his family.Gods speed on your journey to your new home.

I am so shocked by this .I am grateful to have known Pat . I will miss sharing jokes and golf stories . He will be missed .

Pat, you are in heaven now with Bebo, your uncle. I am sure the angels welcomed you with open arms and smiles. Heaven is rejoicing your arrival.

When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you through the dark hours. Remember that God is always with you. 
Thinking of Pat always makes me smile. I love you all!

There was no one more supportive and encouraging, and no one more genuine than Pat.  He was always generous in giving advise that would benefit others, and his kindness will never be forgotten.

Athough I was just a baby when I knew him I will still miss him. I don't really know what to say I am shocked we all love you and miss you terribly.

Pat Richardson, who was a friend to everyone that I ever saw him meet, could bring you to tears of laughter with his quick wit, and was a genuine friend to me. Pat I know that your family will be taken care of because you have made such good friends wherever you went. We are sad but will all see you soon, keep laughing at all the stupid things that we do, your friend Richard

Pat had a way of touching the lives of everyone around him.  I worked closely with him on one of his volunteer jobs on CCA's PAPA Board.  Although his work was very hectic, he never hesitated to jump in and roll up his sleeves to accomplish any task that needed to be done.  And he did everything with such wit and fun and laughter, that he brightened everyone else's day while we worked together.  

He loved his family...his wife and two girls more than anything.  And of course, he loved those Vols!  

He was a constant source of help and encouragement to me while working on the CCA's board together.  And he was the "token male" of our group.    Words can't express how much we will miss him.  

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.  May the grace and peace of God be with you and comfort you during this difficult loss.    

I found an email that Pat sent to me on March 25, 2009, which was a follow-up to another email he had sent when some parents were giving me a hard time. I hope it touches you as much as it did me.  Pat said...

"I am far from the most religious person you will meet. My 12 yrs of Catholic school and the few disasters I have experienced in churches in my adult years have made me very critical of organized religion. I have a problem with how man has tailored religion to meet personal needs of the church leaders. BUT...I do believe in God, and I believe nothing happens by chance. He has a hand in everything... even when we make a wrong turn...there is a reason...we may never know the reason but He did. My email probably wasn't by chance...I believe He used me to tell you what you needed to hear that day...so the credit is not mine and you shouldn't be thanking me as it was God who was taking care of your needs (like you PAPA women -- He was just using me! hahaha)."

Pat couldn't be serious for too long, now could he?  lol  

He was a great man, and a great dad, and he will be missed.

Love and prayers,

Sandy Howell 
(former CCA PAPA President)

Joe Sr.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

There are no other words for Pat that haven't been said here already.  A constant source of comic relief and reliability and simple pleasure.  As the "token male" of our school's parent board, he never shyed away from just being one of the girls.  We love you Pat - and are heartbroken for our own loss - but mostly for the loss that your family has experienced.

Our BBHS and St. Paul family will miss your happiness, smile, and uplifting personality. I can't remember you ever being mad. You will continue to be an inspiration to us. One day we will all be together again.

I was only around Pat a few times when he came to LITA as a Dispatch Mgr but he stuck in my mind as a genuine down to earth person.  He would come into the breakroom & have a few conversations with whomever was there so I could tell he was a people person.  This a big loss to a family & FedEx.

Brenda Richardson

I treasure the memories of working with Pat at FedEx. He was an awesome person who always displayed kindness, laughter, and a positive outlook. During the toughest of times at work, he would smile and keep going. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

No words can express the depth of loss all of us at FedEx who knew you are feeling at this time. I can only say from my own experience of working with you way back in the days of Memphis Dispatch, you were the one who kept us laughing. Godspeed to you my old friend, and safe journey to your new plane of existence.

I knew Pat for many years when I worked at National Posters during the 1990's and early 2000's. When he came by the plant, I could always depend on his job knowledge to resolve any situation we might have.  Pat loved his job and was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. We would often go out for a big lunch -- always a Subway sandwich. He helped my son-in-law become a FedEx employee and my family has always been grateful for that help.  Pat was not only a FedEx employee, he was my friend. I will miss him.

Zip - you without a doubt always found a way to brighten up our day with your smile, jokes, whit and personality.  You were able to flash your bright rays of sunshine through even the darkest of clouds and will never be forgotten.  Your legacy of being a great father, a devoted husband, model son and a cherished friend is one for all to emulate.  Your family is proud of you and your three girls will make you even prouder.

I can only imagine how much fun you are having in heaven with your long hair running around listening to Adam Lambert telling everybody your name is Skip, and I look forward to joining you one day.    

JP

OBITUARIO

Pat "Zippy" Richardson

19 febrero, 1961 – 24 julio, 2010

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

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