Willie Franklin "Tank" Richardson

Willie Franklin Richardson, 84, affectionately also known as "Tank," was born on February 10, 1941, in Hartsville, SC, to the late Izola and Willie Richardson. He departed this life, with his wife by his side, in the early hours of June 2, 2025.

A celebration of life and legacy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Samuel Moore officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home prior to the service .

Willie, the eldest of four children, grew up in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. He attended the New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Hillhouse High School. In the late 1960's and 70's, he worked as a youth counselor at the legendary Legion center located in the Hill section of the city. He loved his work, and along with the late Van Spruill and Marshall Menafee, made a positive impact on the lives of countless young people in the city.

As a young man he loved sports and played both basketball and baseball on local community based teams. His skills at first base were well known throughout the community. Later in life one of his favorite pastimes was relaxing in his recliner and watching the UConn Women's Basketball Team. He knew each player by name and never missed a televised game. He was also a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Will retired from Connecticut Container in North Haven in 2004. In 2023 he, along with his wife Gwen, moved to Asheboro, NC. He was a member of Varick AME Zion Church in New Haven. Due to some health issues, he was not able to join a local church in North Carolina but still kept his faith.

Willie loved his family and enjoyed attending family celebrations, graduations, birthdays, weddings, and especially the annual family cookout hosted by Sharon and Bruce Tyson. A great time was had by all. There was always lots of food on the grill from the time you arrived until you departed. As the eldest, he was recognized as the patriarch of the Richardson family during his 80th birthday celebration. His memory will be cherished for he is gone but will never be forgotten.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Gwendolyn Ewing Richardson of Asheboro, NC, and their daughter, Alece Richardson Maddox and her husband Errol of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by two children from a previous marriage, daughter, Kimberly Richardson and husband Ronald Brown (deceased) of West Haven, CT, and son, Anthony Perez Richardson and wife Tanya Richardson of New Haven, CT. He is survived by one sister, Sharon Richardson Tyson and husband Bruce Tyson of Hamden, CT. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Richardson Holland, a younger brother, Craig Richardson, and a special aunt, Ruby Richardson.