Franklin Harold Richardson

Mr. Franklin Harold Richardson, 83, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023. He was born on March 9, 1940. He is the son of the late James Harold Richardson and the late Maggie Connell Richardson.

Franklin grew up in Douglas County and was a graduate of Douglas County High School. Mr. Richardson followed in his in law’s footsteps by becoming the owner/operator of Leathers Truck Stop., which was founded by the late Harold and Evelyn (Defoor) Leathers. Franklin and his wife, Jackie, decided to move the successful truck stop to the Liberty Road/Mirror Lake Exit in the late 70’s when I-20 was extended to the Villa Rica area. The business flourished right away, and Franklin and Jackie ended up selling it many years later. His retail businesses allowed him to touch, influence, and impact many lives, building numerous lifelong relationships along the way. Franklin was a Mason and later became a Shriner. He was a devoted member of the Villa Rica First Baptist Church Choir and faithfully served as deacon as well as several other roles within his church family. Music was a very important part of his life. Mr. Richardson believed that music was the best medicine and could be heard telling other that, “Music makes everything better!” Franklin used his musical talents for many weddings, funerals, special events, and gatherings for friends and family. He was called upon to entertain many groups, especially at Christmas and other holidays. Franklin did so cheerfully and gave of his time to provide smiles and happiness for others.  He was part of several quartets and bands, forming the first one, The Collegiates (later known as Southbound), with three of his college friends with whom he remained friends for life. Among his other passions were cooking and sharing his recipes. He was involved in many successful restaurant and catering endeavors through the years. Always looking for ways to help people, Mr. Richardson was compassionate and generous, making sure that he took every opportunity to humbly help feed those people around him who were facing hardships. Mr. Franklin Richardson will be remembered as a blessed and talented man who was a leader in the Villa Rica community for many years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Richardson is preceded in death by his brothers, Farris Richardson and Arnall Richardson; sister, Norma Foster; sister-in-law, Myrtie Richardson; brother-in-law, Joe Foster.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jackie Leathers Richardson; sons, Tant Richardson of Villa Rica, Georgia, Toby Richardson of Winston, Georgia; sister, Margaret Morris and her husband, Wayne of Perry, Georgia; sister-in-law, Pat Richardson; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Villa Rica. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Villa Rica. Dr. Kevin Williams and Pastor Jeff Powell will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Mark Pointer, Eric Pointer, Glenn Richardson, John McMichael, Drew Stone, Richard Stone, David Richardson, and Steve Redwine. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Unity Sunday School class. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors. Dr. Billy Godwin will be officiating the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made to First Baptist Church of Villa Rica or Ephesus Baptist Church.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements. 770-459-3694