Richard Richardson Obituary

Richard Richardson

February 16, 1935 - June 23, 2025

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - February 16, 1935 – June 23, 2025

Richard Judson "Dick" Richardson, age 90, of Chapel Hill, died peacefully

at home with his family on June 23, 2025. Dick was born on February 16,1935 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, son of the late Jewel Judson Richardson and Naomi Fern Richardson. He graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1953 and attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where he received a Bachelor of Science. He also attended the University of Dublin, Ireland (Trinity) as a Rotary International Foundation Fellow. He earned his MA (1963) and PhD (1967) degrees at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. Dick joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill faculty in 1969, having previously taught at Western Michigan University, University of Hawaii, and Tulane University. He served twice as the Chairman of the Political Science

Department, was Acting Associate Vice-President of Academic Affairs of the UNC system, Faculty Chair of the UNC Bicentennial Observance, and Provost and Vice-Chancellor of UNC until his retirement in 2000. During his time, he received many awards for his teaching and service. He was born to teach and loved lecturing and mentoring students of all ages. Dick loved Jesus Christ, his marriage to Sue for 63 ½ years, former students, classical music, Thoreau, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, birds, Topsail Beach, Crème Brulé, "Celtic Thunder", Dolly Parton, and telling stories. He made every person feel valued, especially the often "undervalued", the underserved, and the outcast. He lit up every room; his laughter, his stories, his kindness, and his bright light will be terribly missed.

Dick treasured his family and was especially attached to his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sammie Sue, his love of 63+ years; son, Jon Mark

Richardson (Lori); 3 daughters, Anna Cecile Loeffler (Mike), Ellen Elizabeth Higley (Don), and Megan Leigh Mercer (Patrick). He is survived by 10 grandchildren; Ashley Nicole, Daniel Mark, Hannah Rachel and Noah Michael; Adelyn Michelle, Ryan Elizabeth, and Ava Leigh; Judson Strong and Cameron Watson; and Jonathan Michael. He also survived by 13 great grandchildren. Other family includes niece, Melissa Ann Wilson and family (Toby, T-Toby, Tory, and Mandy). The family wishes to thank: Dr. Thomas Keyserling, his physician for over 35 years; the Carolina Meadows staff and friends; Tammy Bobbitt and her amazing staff who became part of our family; AuthoraCare Hospice; and Pastors Barrett Freeman and Will Haas and the members of Mt Carmel Baptist Church. The family has been surrounded by love and support from near and far. The continuing reach of Dick's impact brings us great comfort and joy.

A private family burial service will be held. A public memorial service will

be conducted on Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 am at Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 2016 Mt. Carmel Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC. The family will receive guests after the service at lunch in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to the charity of your choice, to your local Hospice organization, or to the Department of Political Science, UNC Campus Box 3265, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for the Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 32 NIV Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Richardson family.