Rev. Amos C. Richardson

Rev. Amos C. Richardson, 88, of Aberdeen, MD went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 29, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 17, 1926, in Sparta, NC, he was the son of the late Dency Andy and Zollie Nichols Richardson. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served our country during WWII from 1944-1946. He served as a minister for over 60 years and was currently pastor of the Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Middle River. He had also served as pastor of The Delta Baptist Church and Welcome Home Freewill Baptist Church, Bel Air, MD.

In his younger years he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He also loved to travel and would often reminisce about his visits to the Southwest. One of his favorite pastimes was playing "Aggravation" with his family and he was a tough competitor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Iola Woodie Richardson, whom he met in the Boyd and Fulford Drugstore in Bel Air. They were married on January 16, 1947, and had just celebrated their 68th anniversary. He is also survived by his devoted son, Ronnie P. Richardson of Aberdeen; daughters, Cathey S. Alejo and husband, Larry, of Bel Air, Peggy A. Cortright and husband, Richard, of Locke, NY and Karen E. Privett and husband, of Havre de Grace; sisters, Mildred Hime of Bel Air, Laura Jean Emerson of Havre de Grace and Carol Mayes of Bel Air. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Clyde V. Mabe.

He was blessed with four grandchildren, Kimberly A. Bender, Baltimore, MD, Richard L. Cortright, Spring, TX, Adam C. Cortright, West Cortland, NY, and Jason A. Cortright, Newfield, NY, and five great-grandchildren, Gilbert R. and April E. Bender, Baltimore, MD, Caedmon R. and Edmond M. Cortright, Spring, TX, and Madison M. Cortright, West Cortland, NY.

He dedicated his life to the Lord as a young man and never waivered in his convictions. He set an example for all to follow, thus earning the respect and love of his friends, family and acquaintances. He was a humble, soft-spoken man who was known as the "Pastor's Pastor" because of his unique wisdom and knowledge of the Bible and his ability to solve problems and maintain harmony, for which his beloved church was aptly named.

He loved his church family and eagerly looked forward to each service. As his health declined he continued to push himself to attend services but when he could not, he was always there in spirit…he would follow the sequence of the services by watching the clock.

The Reverend Jerry Wood, Reverend Chris Karschner, and Reverend Dayton Lewis will officiate.

Pallbearers will be his three grandsons, great grandson, and Grandson-in-law Gilbert R. Bender Jr. and Aaron Lewis.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Jamie Lee, Katie, Tina, and Lorin of the nursing staff at Harford Memorial Hospital for their kind and compassionate care of our Dad during his stay. We are forever grateful.

Those who desire may make a donation in Rev. Richardson's memory to Harmony Freewill Baptist Church, 2004 Brandt Avenue, Middle River, MD 21220.