Mr. Richard "Rick" Richardson Obituary (1944

Mr. Richard "Rick" Richardson, 81, passed away on February 11, 2026, at his home in West Point. Rick was born on June 19, 1944 in Camden, New Jersey, the son of Richard Carey, Jr. and Sarah Mary Whalen Richardson. Rick graduated from Mississippi State University in 1969. He continued to support the Bulldogs throughout his life. After graduation, Rick was commissioned as a first Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served on active duty and was stationed in Germany for several years. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Mississippi State to attend Graduate School. Rick began his professional career with McRae’s department stores. Upon completion of their executive training program, he was promoted to buyer. He held this position for 18 years. During this time, he met Dawn, who was also a buyer for a department store in Alabama. They married in 1989. In 1991, Rick joined Dillard's department stores as a buyer. Dillard's is a much larger company that included more than 300 stores at that time. The couple moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Dillard's corporate office is located. Rick loved his job and thrived under the pressure. In 2001, Rick was offered a new opportunity developing products under Dillard’s own “private label.” These products were designed and imported from around the world. Rick was one of a select group that was chosen to develop these products. Over the next 6 years Rick, traveled extensively worldwide working with manufacturers, designers, and importers developing the “private label” products. He held this job until he retired in 2006. Rick and Dawn moved to West Point after his retirement to be closer to their families. Rick’s proudest accomplishment was being Brian’s father. He was overjoyed and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Brian and Lauren’s daughter – his first grandchild in the coming weeks. Rick fought a short but courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at home with Dawn, his two nieces, Carey and Suzan, and two dogs, Murphy and Lily. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 505 West Broad Street, in West Point. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. with The Reverend Dr. Karl Schaffenburg officiating. Burial will follow in Pheba Cemetery in Pheba. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" McCarter (Thomas Wilburn). Survivors include his wife, Dawn Richardson of West Point: one son, Brian Carey Richardson (Lauren) of Orlando, Florida: two nieces, Carey Elizabeth McCarter and Suzan Carole McCarter, and a great-nephew, Thomas Christopher McCarter, all of West Point. Pallbearers will be Kyle Chandler, Jim Chandler, Michael Booker, Bill Gentry, Bill Sugg, and Arky Beal. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Care Team of CCU and Respiratory Therapy Department at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus. Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, P.O. Box 316, West Point, Mississippi 39773, the Bryan Public Library, 436 Commerce Street, West Point, Mississippi 39773, or to The West Point/Clay County Animal Shelter, 5122 Tibbee Road, West Point, Mississippi 39773. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com