Grayson Elmer Richardson, 81, of Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
He was a life-long resident of Elizabethton and a son of the late Anderson and Mary Katie Cox Richardson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 special years, Betty Jean Isaacs Richardson, who passed away in 2005; two brothers; and three sisters.
Mr. Richardson was a member of First Baptist Church and a former member of Oak Street Baptist Church. He attended Carter County Schools, Elizabethton City Schools and played football in the U.S. Army after high school. He was retired from the Johnson City Press as a supervisor for the Pressroom. His hobby after retiring was working in his wood working shop. He also enjoyed playing with and doing for his grandchildren who meant so much to him.
Grayson made an immense impact on those who knew him throughout the years. He was a model of love for his children, family and friends and the spirit of his love will live on in each of our hearts.
Mr. Richardson is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Julia Markland and husband Brian and Janna Akers all of Elizabethton; three grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Cara Shea Gouge, Ryan Akers and Marcus Markland; a very special great grand-daughter, Kyra Jean Gouge, whom he called his “little red headed babyâ€; a very special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, E. Glenn Isaacs and wife Audrey; niece Keely Batchelder and son Matthew of Elizabethton; two sisters, Betty Ann Woods and Cathleen Wilson; very special friends, Clyde and Nell Jenkins, Dr. Clayton Vandiver, Wayne and Judy Andes, fellow co-workers at the Johnson City Press, friends and family from First Baptist Church, Victor and Judy Deloach and the staff at Ivy Hall Nursing Home. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.
The graveside service for Mr. Richardson will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Bob Polk officiating. Music will be under the direction of Danny Minton. The family will receive friends from Noon until 1:30 P.M. Thursday at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton. Friends may call at the residence at anytime. Active pallbearers will be Clyde Jenkins, Eddie Woods, Matthew Batchelder, Ryan Akers, Danny Akers, Jacob Nanney and David Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Murphy, John Wilson, Jeff Wilson, Phil Isaacs and Danny Minton.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax 423 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the family. Office 423 542-2232, Obituary line 543-4917.
