Jackie Hollis Richardson

Jackie Hollis Richardson, age 84, of Russellville, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Huntsville Hospital. A native of Franklin County, Jackie graduated from Russellville High School in 1957 along with his twin brother, Johnny. He had a contractual offer in football and played semi-pro football for the Russellville Rebels team, proudly wearing the #50 jersey. He was a florist by trade and was recognized as a state designer, being designated Florist of the Year for the State of Alabama in 1963. He was honored with the opportunity to make the State of Alabama floral arrangement for the grave of John F. Kennedy. Later, having moved to Jefferson County, Alabama, Jackie was a partner in Colonial Carpet and Interiors in Concord, Alabama. Also, in his time in Jefferson County, he enjoyed coaching little league football in Ensley and then coaching high school football at West Jefferson High School. For many years he took great pleasure in hosting an annual wild game supper. People came from far and near to enjoy the wide variety of dishes he prepared. His life's work and greatest achievement, however, was as a preacher of the Gospel. He started preaching at a young age, first filling in and then speaking for several congregations. Early on, he helped establish the church at Valley View Church of Christ in Walker County and later, the Black Creek Church of Christ in Jefferson County. Through the years, he preached for congregations at Ligon Springs, Valley View, Fairfield Highlands, Black Creek, Belgreen, and Phil Campbell-finally returning to Belgreen where he retired after many years of preaching. He also served in another way-building. He and his crew built over 50 buildings for congregations all around the country. In 1980, he started Rustic Youth which remained one of his passions. He enjoyed his time at the Rustic Youth Camp and worked hard at the camp. He loved spending time with his friends and family and wanted only the best for them, here, and more importantly, in the eternity that is to come. He was also involved in his community through serving on the RC&D Council and the Advisory Council for Helen Keller Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, H.H. and Jewel Mae (Vaden) Richardson; sister, Sybil Hedden; and brothers, Johnny, Bobby, and Billy Richardson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 64 years, Bunny Norris Richardson; children, Scott Richardson (Sheila) and Lei-anne Hester (Jack); grandchildren, Stefan Richardson, Brandon Hester (Megan), Brock Hester (Kelley), Gavin Richardson; great-grandchildren, Grady Hester, Jase Hester, McKenzie Hester, Baylor Hester, Ellie Hester; sister, Peggy Ashburner Jones; and sister-in-law Nell Richardson and a host of nieces and nephews. The visitation will be 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday, June 03, 2024, at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Van Cooper, Eric Hedden, Terry Benton, George Hutto, Gary Carter, and James Roy will speak at the service. The burial will be at Knights of Pythias Cemetery with no graveside service. Jackie's grandsons and nephews will serve as the pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers will be the men of Belgreen Church of Christ and the Board of Rustic Youth Camp. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many friends for your thoughts and prayers during this time. A special thanks to Dr. Brasco, Dr. Jerry Williams, Dr. Brad Cavender, and the Huntsville Hospital STICU staff. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rustic Youth Camp at: blog.rusticyouthcamp.org or mail to 1520 Hwy 33, Russellville, AL 35653. Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To have us sign the book for you, please free to call or to leave private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

Jackie Hollis Richardson

November 15, 1939 - May 29, 2024

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