Cleston Eugene Richardson

On Monday, April 1, 2024, Cleston Eugene "Gene" Richardson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great
grandfather, great great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to so many went home to his Lord and Savior at
the age of 91 at his home with his family by his side.

Gene was born to Andrew and Mary Jane Richardson on March 20, 1933, in Livingston, Tennessee. He moved to
Florida in 1951 and soon found the love of his life. After only dating for a little over four months they married on
April 25, 1952, and were married for 68 years before she went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Together they
had four children, Joyce, Kenny, Eddie, and Trish.

Gene wore many hats in his life. At an early age he would help provide for his family after his dad passed when he
was only 3 years old. He worked at Carpenters' Home as an orderly when first coming to Florida. He then moved
on to being an Equipment Operator and had his hand in building many of the roads we travel today, Interstate 4,
75 and 95. From there he tried his hand in electrical work and eventually started his own business, Richardson
Electric. All along he loved the outdoors, hunting, and ranching. After retirement you most likely would find him
tending to his cows or mending fences. He was a lifelong member of Gapway Baptist Church where he served his
Lord in many different roles. He was Chairman of the Deacons, an usher, served on the maintenance committee,
building committee, helped with Noah's Fall Festival and wherever he was needed. He was named Father of the
Year in 1983. He received his Deacon's Emeritus status in June of 2016. He truly had a Servant's Heart!
Gene was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Laverne. His father Andrew Richardson and mother Mary Jane
Conner Richardson; his daughter, Joyce Ann Richardson Jordan, and great grandsons Colby Tyler Crafton and Luke
Douglas Chambers.

He is survived by his three children, Kenny (Ann) Richardson, Eddie (Shirley) Richardson, Trish (Jeff) Hall; 9
grandchildren, Jenni Olliff Brinson, Julia Olliff, Gerald (Janie) Richardson, Rebecca (Steve) Richardson, Derrick
Richardson, Jacy Carr, Tyler (Rebecca) Post, Devin (Katie) Post, Breanna (Connor) McMillan; 13 great grandchildren,
3 great great grandchildren; sisters, Christine Robinson and, Lorene Combee and many nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8pm, Friday, April 5, 2024, and Services will be at 10am, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at
Gapway Baptist Church, 1705 North Combee Road, Lakeland, FL. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park following
the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gapway Baptist Church.

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