Donald F. Richardson

Friends fondly remember Don’s blue eyes that sparkled and shone with love and empathy for loved ones and strangers alike. His generosity and quiet kindness had Don often going the extra mile. He showed up.

Although it was never said, his life mission was to care for and help others- in ways too numerous to count. You could find him late into the evening building or repairing something for a friend, a neighbor, or his family. With his background in engineering, no construction challenge was too great for Don to conquer. But his greater happiness was sitting on the floor building blocks with his grandchildren. Don was a builder of hearts and homes.

Don loved his country, serving in the Air Force before returning in 1969 to South Carolina for a career in the Engineering Department at Fort Jackson. He held a degree from Midlands Technical College in engineering. He retired from Ft. Jackson’s Engineering department in 2011, leaving his own innovations. He was described as “the soldier’s best friend.”

Don, along with his adoring wife, Carol, whom he lovingly called Carol Jean, raised three beautiful, accomplished daughters. They, along with his six grandchildren were the joys of his life. He loved watching his grandchildren play baseball and tennis, always rooting them on. In fact, being part of all the grandkids’ lives became his great joy. He never missed going to their activities and always made sure to bring along drinks, snacks, sandwiches for his athletes and their friends.

Don and Carol Jean enjoyed their time together. One of their favorites get-aways was weekends visiting waterfalls in the Carolina mountains. They celebrated their 50th year of marriage with a memorable trip to Canada. Recently, feeding and watching backyard bluebirds provided everyday enjoyment.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Frances (Brannen), his father, Broadus Perry, his siblings: Broadus (Buddy), Thomas, Jean Jennings, Frances Moore and Carol.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Carol Jean, his daughters, Kathryn Waizenhofer (Robert), Karen Walsh (Patrick), and Julie Keenan (Joseph), grandchildren: William, Eleanor, and Mary Margaret Waizenhofer, Anna Grace Walsh, Liam and Frances Keenan, and his beloved niece Susan Curran (Brian) and great nephew Bryson, great nieces Sara Grace, and Madelyn Curran. He is also survived by his brother, Mitchell (Linda).

Following the private burial service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on April 28th, the family will receive friends at 401 Saluda Avenue from 5:30- 8:00pm.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.