Thomas Weldon Richardson

THOMAS WELDON RICHARDSON, son of the late Anne and Irving Richardson, was born on April 13, 1942 in Severn, Maryland and departed this life on March 29, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Doris, Ruth, Calvin and Christine. Thomas was educated at Severn Elementary School and Wiley H. Bates High School. He started his Christian education at Metropolitan Methodist Church, Severn, Maryland. As a teenager he worked at Gino's restaurant. He graduated from high school in June 1961 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Thomas received an honorable discharge after four years of service. After his service to the U.S. Army, he became a full-time employee of Bethlehem Steel, Sparrows Point, Maryland as a Carpenter and Crane Operator where he retired after thirty-five years of employment. While at Bethlehem Steel, Thomas attended Dunbar High School in the evening studying carpentry. After seven thousand hours of study, he received a master carpentry certificate. Thomas met and married Rose Johnson (deceased) and from this union four children, Pamela, Christine, Thomas, Jr. and Gary were born. He later met Edith McClain and they were married on June 8, 1979. From this union he adopted Alphonso, Vivian, Douglas and Michael. Thomas was master carpenter always re-making or fixing things in his home and in the home of family members. He was also the barbecue King of the family where he made the best barbecue spareribs and chicken and smoked turkey. For over thirty years, the Richardson family looked forward to going to Thomas and Edie's house a for delicious Thanksgiving dinner to include Thomas' famous barbecue ribs and smoked turkey. Thomas was a quiet humble man who loved everyone and everyone who came in contact with him loved him. Thomas and Edie enjoyed traveling to Williamsburg, Virginia and their annual cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Thomas leaves to mourn: his loving and devoted wife, Edie; sons, Thomas Jr. and Gary Richardson; daughters, Pamela Richardson and Christine Smith; adopted sons, Douglas and Michael McClain; adopted daughter, Vivian McClain; son-in-law, Michael Smith; daughter-in-law, Vickie Richardson; brother, Irving Richardson; sisters, Lorraine Ennels and Genevieve Hale; two sisters-in-law, Mary George and Opie Lee; three brothers-in-law, Ivy Ennels, Major George and Rexie Lee; ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Thomas Weldon Richardson

April 13, 1942 - March 29, 2016