Willard Joel Richardson

Willard Joel Richardson of Alto, Georgia passed away peacefully in Gainesville, Georgia after a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer. Joel was lovingly known to family and friends as Butch, Papaw, Papa, G-Pop, and Hermit.

Joel was born and raised in the small papermill town of Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was an Eagle Scout, Hodge High School graduate, and Louisiana Tech University alumni. He stayed in very close contact with his graduating class and had yearly reunions. After serving his country briefly in the Naval Reserves, Joel accepted a position as a Mathematical Statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, Maryland. During his 30-year career, he cherished his time traveling to China, Australia, and Brazil which allowed him the opportunity to collaborate with foreign statisticians. Joel was a Division Chief at the Bureau when he retired. After retiring, he lived in Maryland and Florida, before moving to Georgia to be close to family.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Maude and Jack Richardson of Jonesboro, Louisiana, his beloved son, Jeffrey Richardson of Shreveport, Louisiana, and his beloved son, Kevin Richardson of Galt, Louisiana. His surviving family members are his adored sister, Fran Peterson (David) of Minden, Louisiana, revered ex-wife and loving mother of his four children, Pamela Richardson Callaway (Thomas) of Shreveport, Louisiana, his dedicated daughter-in-law, Karen Richardson (Kevin) of Galt, California, his devoted and treasured daughter, Cheryl Thomas (Lyn) of Cumming, Georgia, his faithful and esteemed daughter, Lori Scoggins of Shreveport, Louisiana, and his sweetheart, Harriette Ann “Annie” Register of Orange City, Florida.  Also, Joel left behind 8 hard-working grandsons and 4 precious great-granddaughters who reside in Georgia, Louisiana, and California.

Joel lived a good life and cherished his time with family, close friends, and his CB/Hamm radio community. During his younger years, his favorite past times were reading, golfing, fishing, hunting, participating in turkey shoots, bowling, boating, and attending University of MD and Washington Redskins football games. He led a quieter, rural life for the past 20 years and loved sitting on his front porch, reading, watching crime shows, fishing, bird watching, attending CB/Hamm radio events, beach trips, watching his grandsons’ sporting events, attending high school reunions, and reminiscing with family and friends.

 Special acknowledgements from the family are sent out to Dr. Charles Nash and his Nurse Angel of Longstreet Cancer Center of Gainesville, GA, the doctors and nurses of Northeast Georgia Medical Center and ER of Gainesville, GA, and his doctors and nurses of North Georgia Medical Center In-patient Hospice Unit in Gainesville, GA. Your commitment to the care and comfort of patients and families is exceptional.

Joel’s wishes are being honored with a cremation and a private Celebration of Life.

Donations on Joel Richardson’s behalf can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the American Red Cross.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory. 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.