Obituary of William "Bill" Richardson

USAF Retired Lieutenant Colonel William Van “Bill” Richardson, 70, husband of Linn McLaurin Duffie Richardson, died Monday, November 10, 2025, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Born in Fairfield IL, he was a son of the late Fred Ray Richardson and Eleanor Mae Vanway Richardson.

A first and foremost servant of the Lord, Lt. Colonel Richardson served as a fighter pilot.  He flew at Shaw Air Force Base, retired out of the Flying Tigers 75^th Squadron and was a veteran of Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He served both his country and family with dedication and passion.  He was member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, and a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the Edmunds Men’s Bible Class and a teacher.  He was a board member for Sumter Habitat for Humanity and the Sumter Kiwanis Club.  He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Coffee Club.   

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Lee Richardson (Brittany), Will Richardson (Rebekah); one daughter, Jennie Linn Richardson; one brother, Jerry Richardson (Lori); four grandchildren, Evan, Jack, Luke and Shepherd; in-laws, Jennie Linn and John Duffie; his sister-in-law, Louise Glover (Ron); his brother-in-law, John Duffie (Kelly).

He was predeceased by a sister, Debby Taylor.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Stewart Rawson officiating.

Burial will follow in the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church Cemetery with full military honors. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Mt. Vernon Coffee Club.

The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. Saturday in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to Sumter Habitat for Humanity, 812 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386