John Lane "Buddy" Richardson Jr.

John L. Richardson, Jr. (Buddy), of La Plata, Maryland, passed away on May 30, 2019 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center at the age of 78. John, the oldest of seven children, was born on October 11, 1940, in Savannah, Georgia to John Richardson Sr. and Stella Helmey. He was preceded in death by his parents. He attended Benedictine Military Academy in Savannah, Georgia. Shortly after graduating in 1959, he entered the United States Army. He served his country proudly for 11 years until he was honorably discharged in August 1971. He earned many medals and honors while serving a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam during the war. He met the love of his life, Sandra Blaine, and married on February 8, 1970. The family resided in Georgia and South Carolina before relocating to Maryland to settle. He worked for the Department of Commerce as a computer programmer and analyst for 30 years until his retirement. John enjoyed building and creating things, fishing, camping, and gambling. He loved to bowl, spending countless years as a youth bowling coach as well as a youth baseball coach. He enjoyed creating lasting memories with family and friends through bowling, traveling (especially Reno), and everyday life. He cherished the moments cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at their various activities and sports. He treasured the many adventures with lifelong friends, Lonnie and Tina Dunbar, greatly. He was a diehard fan of the Washington Capitals and relished the opportunity to watch them win their first Stanley Cup. There was no challenge he felt he could not conquer and instilled that same attitude in everyone he met. He was a great role model who provided unconditional love and support, possessed a quick wit along with an infectious smile and laugh. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sandra; four children – Butch, Kim, Janette, and Cathy; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; six siblings (three brothers and three sisters), many nieces/nephews and friends. Visitation will be on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 pm and on Tuesday June 11, 2019 from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at Raymond Funeral Service, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. After the service, guests are invited to attend a reception being held at the clubhouse in Hawthorne Greene (next to 236 Williamsburg Circle, La Plata Maryland). Private burial with military honors will be Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of John L. Richardson to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

John Lane "Buddy" Richardson Jr.

October 11, 1940 - May 30, 2019