Paul Richardson

With deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the life of our beloved Mr. Paul Richardson, who passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 74 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Paul was born on February 13, 1951, in Charlotte, NC, to Emma Sue Hill Richardson and William Richardson. He was a proud member of the Class of 1969 at Second Ward High School. During those formative years, he met the love of his life, Sondra Richardson, who was then attending rival West Charlotte High School, a connection that began a lifelong journey of love and partnership. High school sweethearts, they built a beautiful life together and were married for over five decades. After high school, Paul was recruited for an opportunity with the FBI but chose to remain in Charlotte, prioritizing his family and community. He later studied Business Administration at Central Piedmont Community College and became a lead project manager for several service companies, including Fire Control Systems, helping guide the company’s early growth. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Sondra Richardson; his son, P. Demond Richardson, Esq. (Jeanneth) of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Tiffany Richardson Howard (Keith) of Charlotte, NC; and his four grandchildren, Selassie, Nia, Ella, and Zora, whom he loved dearly. He cherished time with them and took pride in teaching lessons in hard work, faith, history, nature, and doing things the right way. He also served as a trusted mentor to many in his neighborhood. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother in law, Ms. Helen Reid; his sister in law, Mamie Murray (Kevin) of Charlotte, NC, and Mary Parkridge of Connecticut; his brothers in law, Imam John Ramadan (Gloria) and Victor Reid (Sylvia); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Charles Richardson, Bill Richardson (Shirley), and Willie Edward Richardson, as well as the family’s beloved dog, Jazzy. Paul was a protector and provider who took pride in mastering new skills and tackling even the most challenging projects around his home. Skilled in carpentry, electrical work, painting, landscaping, concrete, plumbing, and small engine and appliance repair, if something was broken he could fix it, and if it could be built he would build it. He expressed his love not only through words but through song, often writing music for his beloved wife, and through the way he provided so his family never went without. For over five decades of marriage, he showed his devotion daily and always put his family first. He was known for his dad jokes, beautiful singing voice, smooth dance moves, and his ability to remember lyrics he had written years earlier. A lover of music, he shared that passion and appreciation for artists such as The Temptations, Al Green, Sam Cooke, and Stevie Wonder. A student of history and a voracious reader, Paul often quoted historical speeches and poetry from memory. After his double lung transplant, he returned to what brought him joy, nature and the outdoors. He treated his yard like a masterpiece and often helped neighbors, always willing to lend his time, tools, and knowledge. The lessons he taught, the songs he sang, and the love he gave will live on through all of us.

Paul Richardson

February 13, 1951 - February 6, 2026