Capt. Fred Richardson, Jr.

Capt. Fred Douglas Richardson Jr. was born on September 13, 1933, in Weidner, Arkansas. He was the second of ten children born to the late Elder Fred Douglas Richardson Sr. and Loise Scott Richardson. In 1939, his family moved to Battle Creek, MI where he received his formal education attending Jefferson and Lincoln Elementary Schools, Southwest Junior High and graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1952. He earned his bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial Management from Western Michigan University in 1955. He later earned a Master's Degree in Business from University of Southern California. While attending Western Mi, Fred Jr. met the love of his life, Donna Lois Jeffries. They both graduated in June 1955 and were united in holy matrimony on December 23, 1955. Their union was blessed with four children: Fred III, mark, James, and Sonya. Immediately following graduation from Western, Fred began his career as a Naval Aviation Officer. He earned his Navy Wings in 1956. He became proficient in fling the F-3H Demon and the F-8J Crusader. Fred served tours of duty at Miramar NAS, San Diego, CA with VF-124 (Combat Flight Instructor), VF-191 (XO), VF-194 (CO), becoming the first African American to command Naval fighter squadron. He served as a Reconnaissance Flight Instructor (RF-101) while doing 13 months exchange duty with the US Air Force. Fred served aboard the USS Coral Sea. Fred served in the Navy during Vietnam War. He flew 156 combat missions over Vietnam. Upon completing his last assigned shore duty as Comptroller, USNAVEUR in London, England, Capt. Fred Richardson Jr. retired from the Navy on July 1, 1986. Fred Jr. accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was a faithful servant throughout his entire life. He was an active member in the Strangers Home Church of God in Christ in battle Creek, MI as a youngster. He was a pianist at his home church. While attending college in Kalamazoo, MI, he was the pianist for the youth Choir at Second Baptist Church. Wherever he was stationed while in the Navy, he united with a church and sang in a choir. In 1961, he united with Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles H. Hampton. As a faithful member of bethel, Fred served in many ministries including: Deacon Board, member of the first Bethel Baptist Male Chorus, Sanctuary Choir, united Choir, and the Church Choir, Charles Hampton Scholarship Committee member, and teacher in Sunday School Class 13. Fred Jr. loved playing golf. He was a member of "The Men's Club" at Admiral Baker Golf Course in San Diego, CA. Although he enjoyed playing with the club members, his greatest joy was competing against his brother, Wendell, friends, or his children, Mark, James, and Sonya. Fred Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Fred Richardson Sr. and Loise Richardson, brothers, Royce, Noah, and Michael Richardson, Sisters, Iva Mae Hadley, Loise Richardson, and Idella Neal. On November 27, 2018, Fred Jr. departed his earthly home to take up residence in his Heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved Wife of 62 years, Donna Richardson; his Sons, Fred Richardson III (Bernadean), Mark (Martha) Richardson, and James Richardson; one Daughter, Sonya Richardson; eight Grandchildren, Fred Richardson IV, Alexandria Richardson, Jared Richardson, Arthur Richardson, James Richardson Jr., Aaron Richardson, Jordyn Richardson, Jaclyn Richardson; one Great-Grandchild, Fred Richardson V; a brother, Wendell (Charlene) Richardson; two sisters, Essie (Frank) Harper, Joyce (Alonzo) Sparks, and a host of nephews, nieces, and many friends. Arrangements entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary in San Diego, CA.