Willard Donald "Bill" Richmond

Willard Donald Richmond (Bill) passed from earth to heaven July 10, 2017, following a short time in the nursing home due to a fall at home. He was 94 years old, and though frail, was mentally sharp and witty. Up until the fall at home, he managed to live alone caring for himself , with some assistance from close friends. He was enjoyed and loved by many friends and acquaintances.
He was born to Hugh and Lula Richmond in Elmira, NY and spent much of his life there. After graduating from high school, he worked for the railroad until he joined the Army in 1943. He served our country until 1945, spending time in Europe and earning numerous medals. After the war he returned home to his wife and they began their family. He was father to Bonnie and Darryl Richmond, both of whom predeceased him. His wife, Ruth Lawson Richmond, also preceded him in death.
In his younger years, he enjoyed ice skating, swimming, dancing and singing. He worked numerous jobs throughout his life around the country until he settled in Florida and worked as an appliance repairman for a major company. In the mid-60s he moved his family to Cleveland and worked as a self employed appliance repairman. He was well-known for his expertise and integrity.
He was also known for his frequent visits to grocery stores in search of good food and bargains. He loved to cook and eat, especially hot and spicy foods. He enjoyed sharing his bargains with others, keeping one for himself and giving the “free one” to someone in need. It was in the stores that he enjoyed seeing and talking with friends and making new ones.
Mr. Richmond attended and served in churches here and there and “tried to be a Christian” and “hoped to get to heaven” someday. In 2015 he read an explanation of John 3:16 given to him by a special friend and his heart and mind were opened to the beauty of the gospel. By faith, he accepted the truth that God so loved him, that He gave His only Son in his place and that by believing in Jesus, he could have eternal life. This became his favorite verse and he quoted it often when asked for a reason for his faith. Frail as he was, he was baptized and was given a standing ovation by a teary eyed FBC congregation that morning. Video of his baptism was seen on the internet by multitudes of people. His testimony of faith in Jesus and his obedience in being baptized were life changing for him and priceless to all who observed.
Bill was a humble man who lived very modestly by the world’s standards. He was a very caring and thoughtful gentleman who never complained or wanted to be a burden to those he loved. Even at the very end he was concerned for others more than himself, including his care givers. Mr. Richmond is now with Jesus, no longer old and weak and no longer “hoping to go to heaven”. His faith has become sight. He is already missed by his many friends.
A celebration of life graveside ceremony will be held at 9:30AM on Thursday July 13, 2017 in the Chattanooga National Cemetery, located at 1200 Bailey Ave, where he will be honored for his faithful and diligent service to our country.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Bill or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Richmond family with these arrangements.