Dear Friends:
It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has meant so much to so many. This week, our family lost a truly good man. Rick Richardson was a father, a grandfather, a son and a friend to so many. He loved his God, his family and his community with all of his heart.
We will miss him so much and will cherish his memory always, taking comfort knowing he is with his Heavenly Father and free from pain and suffering.
We wish we could thank everyone individually for all the kindnesses shown our family during this very difficult time. The outpouring of love and concern from the Elizabethton/Carter County community has been overwhelming and we are so grateful for each and every phone call, visit, card, text and email we have received. Knowing that so many people care so much has brought indescribable comfort to us.
Although we can’t list every single person or group who has helped us during this tough time, we are especially grateful to Borderview Christian Church family and their minister, Brother Scott Fisher; Brother Randy Carrier, minister at Pinecrest Christian Church; the First Baptist Church family and their minister, Pastor Todd Hallman; and the staff of Hillview Health Center in Elizabethton. The love and support they all provided meant more than we can ever say.
We would also like to thank the Carter County Commission for the many kindnesses they have shown. Being a county commissioner meant so much to Rick and we know he would have been so proud to see so many of his fellow commissioners in attendance at his funeral.
A special thanks also to the Elizabethton Twins organization. Rick so enjoyed baseball and considered it a great honor to serve on the Twins Commission. He was so looking forward to being on the Stadium Task Force.
Last, but certainly not least, we would like to say ‘thank you’ to Rick’s high school classmates — Elizabethton High School’s Class of 1973. He loved each and every one of you and so enjoyed attending the recent reunion. Thank you for your outpouring of love and friendship.
We are grateful to have had such a dad and son and even more grateful for all of you who loved him too.

The Family of Rick Richardson
His children, Keely Richardson Goodwin and Cory Richardson, and his mother, Darlene Smith