Death date: Jan 13, 2022
Murl “Ray” Richardson, age 74, of Powder Springs passed away January 13, 2022. Ray was a long-time resident of Cobb County, having grown up here and graduated from McEachern High School. After his graduation, Ray was immediately d Read Obituary
I cannot describe in words the pain that I’m feeling right now. I honestly never thought I would have to be writing one of these for him. He was always so strong. None of this seems real to me.
My papa was my best friend. Ever since I can remember we have always had a special bond. For the first year of my life he would keep me during the day while my parents would work, and then he would go to work at night. Instead of sleeping during the day to get ready for a hard and dangerous night’s work, he chose to stay up and play with me. That’s just the kind of person he was. He never thought of himself first. He always wanted to make sure everyone else was taken care of, and he did a great job of that.
My papa was nothing short of a hero. Not only to his family but to the entire community. There is no telling how many lives have been saved over the years due to his brave and selfless acts, and he never asked for anything in return. He just loved helping people. Words cannot describe how proud I am to be his grandson. If I could be just half the man he was then I would consider my life a huge success.
Although he is gone, nothing can take away the memories I have of me and him together. From falling asleep next to him in the deer stand, to staying up all night watching scary movies, to playing NCAA on the PlayStation all day long; these are just a few of the countless memories that I will forever cherish.
There is a hole in my heart now that will always be there. As much as this kills me, however, I know he wouldn’t come back now for nothing in the world. He has no more pain and no more sadness. He’s with his mom and dad, his grandparents, his older brother, and is now finally reunited with the love of his life. And most importantly he is with Jesus, which is something I know he was looking forward to.
This will never not hurt. I will never not get sad when thinking about this. This has left a scar that will never go away for as long as I’m alive. But I will be okay eventually. I will press forward because I know that’s what he would want me to do, and I have enough Ray Richardson in me to be able to get back up from this.
Papa I love you more then words can describe. You are my best friend in the whole world, and I can’t wait to see you again. Tell Nana I said hey and that I miss and love her too. I’m glad you two are finally together again. Tell Jesus to build my mansion right next to yours. I love you.
There is just no way to say everything in my heart. Since I was very young, I saw may daddy as the epitome of Strength, courage, Love, unselfishness, comfort, peace, and so much more. He was a giant of a man that carried the world on his shoulders. There wasnt a super hero that held a match to him. He loved his family and worked hard for us. He made sure mom was able to stay home with us until we got a little older. He was the type of dad that would play even the silliest things with us and never complain. We had him up late some nights looking for toys or jewelry we lost outside because we "just couldn't live without it" He was willing to take us fishing only to spend most of his time untangling our lines from trees...still he never complained.
Daddy, right now we are completely broken. But you and mom raised strong women. We will be ok in time so no worries. Enjoy Heaven and all the beautiful sights. Take moms hand and let her show you around. You are no longer color blind so enjoy all the beautiful colors. You are no longer sick or in pain. I know that has to feel wonderful. Your precious mom, dad, brother, grandparents and friends are all there . Enjoy your time with the Lord and Savior that you gave your heart to many years ago. For Heavens sake BEHAVE YOURSELF!!! If you feel that tickle to pester remember where you are. 🤣 We will take care of the grandbabies. Tell mom all about their lives since she has been gone. We will see you soon. You and mom be sure to wait for us. I look so forward to seeing you and mom again. How I wish i had hugged you longer and tighter the day before you took your Heavenly flight. I LOVE YOU DADDY!
Trying to put the love I have for my dad into few words seems impossible to do.
He called me his sidekick, he gave me the nickname Peanut.
I wanted to always be in my Dads shadow.
If he had to work on a lawnmower or car I was right beside him handing him tools. Probably the wrong tools but he didn’t care.
He didn’t know till a couple of years ago that I would purposely make the chain come off my bike so we could sit on the carport together and fix it. He was always so patient although I’m sure it frustrated him.
When I would hear dad coming in after working all night I would jump out of bed, run to him asking a thousand questions. He patiently answered them all even though I’m sure he just wanted to come in and go to sleep.
Sometimes If me and Tracy were asleep when he got home he would wake us up so he could spend time with us and play. We would ride on his back or shoulders and have the best time. We were his world! (Including mom)
I remember losing one of my fisher price little people in the yard and I didn’t realize it till around 9:30 at night. Dad got a flashlight and went on a mission to find my little people. After all it was my favorite.
Oh my goodness the memories of dad taking us fishing we’re some of my favorite! Most of his time was spent untangling lines, baiting hooks and getting my hook out of Tracys hair. Never once did he lose his temper.
He was our protector, rock and safe place to land till the day God took him home.
When he became a Papa the pride and love for his grand babies shined through in his smile. They did no wrong in his eyes. He had a special bond with each one of them. I can see my dad and mom in all four of them.
My dad will always be my hero! He taught me and my sister the values to look for in a man. He set the bar high!! This is going to be extremely hard for my sister and I. We are daddy’s girls.
I’m going to miss hearing the stories of his childhood and teenage years, all of the mischief he would get into. The stories of racing his falcon and so much more.
He was tender yet tough, he was so very giving, he loved helping people. He was a humble leader and our protector.
I’m going to miss the sound of his voice and his sweet daddy hugs that made me feel so comforted and Loved!
I love you daddy!! I will miss you every second of everyday till God calls me home.
How can I only think of one memory when I think of him? I can’t. I’ll just write in words how AMAZING my papa was! He was such a GREAT man and deserved the whole world!! He was a protector. When my mom and aunt were little girls he was a police officer up until I was a little girl. He also fought for this country. He was a protector of everyone he came across but especially his family. I would go to him with a problem and he would immediately want to speak with the person I had a problem with. Lol. He was gentle. Although he was a very tough, strong, protective man he knew when it came to his grandchildren and daughters a big man can be gentle too. He was loving and seemed like he wasn’t afraid of anything! He would NEVER back down. I remember when I was a little little girl he was cutting grass. If you knew my papa you knew how OCD he was when it came to his grass but he saw me run to him in the front yard and let me get on his lap to “help him cut the grass.” When it came to us grandkids nothing seemed to bother him, or at least he didn’t show it. Missing him is an understatement but I know he is happy and healthy with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He’s also with his honey and love of his life, my Nana which is where he wanted to be for so long. Papa fought the good fight and kept the faith. That was one thing about my papa that I loved. He was tough, got in fights, would aggravate us (A WHOLE LOT!! Which is will miss forever) but his relationship with the Lord was the MOST important thing to him. He loved the Lord with all his might and had a great respect for him. I’ll ALWAYS admire that for as long as I live! I’m gonna try to make you proud each and everyday I live papa, with everything I have in me. I’m gonna miss you FOREVER and love you for ALWAYS. You were/are the BEST PAPA EVER!!! Give the Lord, Nana and Maw Maw a great big hug for me!! I love you SO MUCH!!
Kathleen sent me this, she was so proud of Ray and loved all of you so much. Sending my love and prayers. Jill and family
Tracy and Shannon, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Helped me in many ways over the years.He loved you two and was very proud every day.
I know he and Susan are happy and looking down with a broad smile.Will miss those two and will be glad to meet again.
God Bless. Dave Lenihan
