Garland "Bobby" Richardson

Garland “Bobby” Eugene Richardson passed away on May 13, 2026, at his home in Randleman. He was the husband of Ann Wright Richardson, with whom he shared seventy-two years of a loving and happy marriage.

Bobby is survived by his wife Ann, as well as two daughters, Anita Richardson (husband John Riley), and Scarlet Richardson Parenteau. He was the grandfather of four grandchildren—Michelle Marie Parenteau, Matthew Phillip Parenteau, Anna Sophia Riley, and Joseph Richardson Riley. He was also the great-grandfather to Sibyl Sorrell, Helena Sorrell, Beau Sorrell, Emery Sorrell, Raylee Sorrell, and Tyson Riley. He had two sisters, Sheila Henderson and Janet Carter, nieces and nephews, Tammy, Todd, Tracey, Darrin, and Jessica. He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Jewel and Fred Richardson.

Bobby was born in Randleman, North Carolina on July 20, 1931. He spent a happy life there, raising his family.

He attended Randleman High School, but left school early to join the U.S. Navy in 1949 and served during the Korean War. He served as a Gunners Mate on the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. Helena, and finished his Navy career, on the same ship, in 1953 as a Lead Petty Officer of Turret 3. He was grateful the remainder of his life for the opportunity to serve his country during a time of war.

Bobby worked for 25 years at Laughlin Hosiery Mill in Randleman fixing the machines there. He then became a welder for Carolina Steel in Greensboro. After working for many years, he returned to Randolph Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science and became a Machinist. He spent the remainder of his career as a machinist for Cleveland Twist Drill Company in Asheboro, from where he retired at the age of 78.

Bobby loved horses and spent many years training and showing them with his daughters. He attended farrier school and became the family farrier. He was also an avid sailor who enjoyed quiet time on the water with his wife Ann sailing their beautiful boat Aloha. A lover of music and lyrics, Bobby knew hundreds of songs and played many string instruments. He learned the fiddle later in life and formed his own band, Carolina Bluegrass Partners. He and Ann took the band to numerous venues where they enjoyed playing music, dancing together, and making others smile.

Bobby was a steady, hard-working, supportive husband and Dad and will always be remembered by his family for the love, support, and knowledge they received from him.