of Harrison, AR
September 2, 1944 - June 13, 2022
Alvin Blaine Richardson, 77 years young, of Harrison, Arkansas was taken to heaven on June 13, 2022. Although he battled with serious medical issues for 35 years, many people never knew. He faced all of his challenges with faith in God, fierce determination, and infectious joy. He loved to laugh, and if he was laughing, you probably were too. He was born in Alpena, Arkansas to Ervin Blaine and Winnie Jetton (Garrison) Richardson on September 2, 1944. Blaine graduated, by the skin of his teeth, from Alpena High School in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Arkansas Tech University. While in Russellville, he met the love of his life, Pam, who was hoodwinked into thinking he was a charming individual with decorum. Boy, was she ever wrong! She was his "blessing from above", for 55 wonderful years.
One month after their wedding, Blaine enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, where he proudly served for 11 years. Shortly after being honorably discharged, he re-enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for an additional 10 years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant (E8). He loved to tell stories about his days in the service, which included serving as a Senior Drill Sergeant during the Vietnam War. Blaine worked side-by-side, though not always eye-to-eye, with his father, Ervin, to build Richardson Oil Company, which provided fuel and oil products throughout northwest Arkansas. Outside of brief stints during Blaine's college years, military service, and one year spent teaching in Lavaca, Arkansas, he worked at Richardson Oil Company since its founding in 1956, eventually becoming its president. After the business sold, Blaine poured his life into helping children. He served as a substitute teacher until he earned his teacher certification. He then dedicated 15 years to teaching, much of that at the K-6 A School in the Harrison School District. Blaine "graduated" from school again when he retired in 2013.
Having a sharp and curious mind from his youngest days, Blaine would tinker with things - taking them apart to figure out how they worked. In elementary school, he would find and repair broken pens, then sell them to his peers. He made his first bb gun with a little gunpowder and bicycle parts. Throughout his teen years and into adulthood, he'd buy broken-down cars, repair them, drive them, then sell or trade them for something else he liked better. Blaine was a survivor. As a child, he was run over by the family tractor. As a teen, he suffered from third-degree burns over much of his body - the result of a gasoline fire while filling a tanker truck. He was in numerous car accidents that could have easily taken his life. He claimed to have one of the hardest heads in Arkansas and if you knew him you believed him.
Blaine loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was hunting and camping. Throughout the years he bought, sold, and traded numerous firearms, even building a couple of muzzleloaders. He loved going to Table Rock Lake and spent countless summers there with his kids and grandkids. It was there that he taught them how to fish, catch crawdads and make s'mores. The whole family would get sunburns while tubing and skiing. The most important things in his life, however, were his faith and his family. He passionately served God and passionately loved his family. He a member of Harrison First Assembly of God for over 45 years. Through the years he volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, youth sponsor, and "blooming onion" salesman.
Blaine never met a person he didn't like and if he didn't like you, you'd never know it. His smile and quick wit left an impression everywhere he went. He'd often greet folks with an impromptu poem and introduce himself as "Plaino Blaino". And whenever he saw a "spot" on your shirt (that no one else would see), he was always kind enough to point it out and then swipe your nose when you looked down. He was actively involved with the Gideons, the Christian Motorcycle Association, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Harrison Band Sponsors, Harrison Choir Sponsors, and virtually everything else his kids and grandkids was involved in. Blaine has been a bootlegger, a biker, a businessman, and a church board member. He was hardheaded, but soft-hearted and would often buy gas or food for individuals or families in need. Many people can preach the gospel, but Blaine lived it.
Blaine was greeted in heaven by two infant sons; his parents, Ervin and Jetton Richardson, and his youngest sister, Charlotte (Richardson) Clark.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela (Thomas) Richardson of Harrison, Arkansas; children, Tracey Winders and husband Michael of Montgomery, Texas, and Kevin Richardson and wife Jennifer of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jasmin Griffin of Independence, Missouri, Jordan Richardson of Harrison, Arkansas, Jaden Oluwayomi and husband Joshua of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Jaymin Richardson of Harrison, Arkansas, Emma Richardson of Auburn, Washington, Eli Richardson and Josiah Richardson of Edmond, Oklahoma; and great-grandchildren, Zoey Rey and Cora Griffin of Independence, Missouri; siblings, Denise Woods and husband Clinton of Alpena, Arkansas, Brenda Bell of Green Forrest, Arkansas and brother-in-law, Jerry Clark and wife Louise of Harrison, Arkansas, along with a community of family and friends that will always remember his iconic "Happy Birthday" serenades.
Visitation was Monday, June 20, 2022, at Harrison First Assembly of God. Funeral Service was Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Harrison First Assembly of God with Pastor Dennis Selvidge officiating.
Pallbearers were Jordan Richardson, Jaymin Richardson, Eli Richardson, Josiah Richardson, Kris Clark, and Kory Clark.
Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Clark, Ronnie Thomas, Lawrence Thomas, Paul Beck, Dwight Miller, John Billings, Gerry Korchek, and Sandy Sandretto.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Harrison First Assembly Youth Program. Please make checks payable to "Harrison First Assembly of God" and write "Blaine" in the memo section.
Sign Guestbook
39 Condolence(s)
David Milburn
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Blaine was the first person I met when I went off to college at Arkansas Tech in 1962. He was a real good guy & a real good friend!
Sam K. Medley
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Blaine was a special man. I knew him in college and through the years since. He was my friend. He is greatly missed.
Paula M Shipman
Saturday, July 2, 2022
Dear Family,
Blaine was truly a blessing to me as a teacher and friend at HJHS. I knew when he was present in my classroom that ALL students would be treated with love and respect, equally and fairly. I am so sorry for Our loss of a great human. We will All rejoice together again one Day.
With all Sincerity,
Paula
Jim Bob Jackson
Friday, June 24, 2022
Pam,
I was sorry to hear about Blaine. I have thought about you both a lot through the years. Remembering the good old days when we worked at the A-1 Market.
t.s. leslie
Thursday, June 23, 2022
love u Blaine dr l
Mitch and Natalie Cash
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Pam and Family,
We sorry to hear about Blaine's passing. We have fond memories of Blaine and will be in prayer for your family.
David and Dawn Garrett
Monday, June 20, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
CONNER WILKINSON
Monday, June 20, 2022
May he rest in peace as my mentor an friend he taught me an helped me get through everything I am thankful for everything he did for me made me a Better person I thank him
Ken and Ginny Hulsey
Monday, June 20, 2022
So sorry to read of Blaine's passing. He had some wonderful tales and a contagious laugh!
Sissy Brown
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Blaine was the kindest, most jovial man I know. He always had a smile on his face and treated everyone with respect. I am so sorry for your loss and have comfort in knowing we will see him again one day!
Sissy Brown
Patti Thomas
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Dear Mrs. Richardson and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person. Blaine was a smart, talented educator. He cared deeply about our students at the K-6 A-School and did his best for them. Many benefitted from his attention and instruction. On a personal level, we were good friends. I will always remember his upbeat personality and energy. I don’t know that I ever heard him say a bad word about anybody. May God give you peace.
Sending prayers,
Patti Thomas
Eric and Donna Mixon
Saturday, June 18, 2022
We met Mr. Blaine in the doctor’s office lobby one day. Enjoyed conversation with him and exchanged telephone numbers. We kept in contact with him praying for mine snd his health issues from Vietnam war. So sadden to hear of him passing and will not have phone contact with him. Great loss for us.
Earth’s loss but Heaven’s gain. He’s in the presence of his Saviour to never suffer again.
Regina Chism
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Blaine was one in million. His smile could light up a room. He was so mischievous and loved to make a child smile. Some of my fondest memories are fellowship with him after church. I can still hear him singing Happy Birthday to me on one knee off key doing his best to embarrass me. Prayers for family and all that knew him. The Heavens are rejoicing to gain such a sweet soul.
Gregory McAllister
Friday, June 17, 2022
Served with Blaine in Headquarters Battery, 1-142nd FA in the FDC section. Took care of his troops and fun to work with. Good memories of our days at Fort Chaffee.
Lisa Dixon
Friday, June 17, 2022
Blaine loved people, and people loved Blaine. I will miss his true love and that big smile he always had for me. Much love to all his family.
Rhonda Selvidge
Friday, June 17, 2022
I considered Blaine my dear friend. We worked together at the A-School. Yes, I know about the birthday serenades and all the poems. He just wanted to make everyone laugh. He was a man with a great heart and will be missed. I love you my friend and will see you again some day.
Danny & Donna Kimbrell
Friday, June 17, 2022
We have lost a great neighbor. Blaine always had something to say that would make us laugh. I’m going to miss the sound of his motorcycle as he would leave and come back. He may be gone from this earth but he will never be forgotten. We send our love to Pam and the family.
Tim & Anita (Coxsey) Sawyer
Friday, June 17, 2022
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Our prayers for all of Mr. Blaine Richardson’s family and friends. May God provide you comfort and good memories.
Fred Gibbany
Friday, June 17, 2022
We will see you again a dear friend
Beverly and Troy Massey
Friday, June 17, 2022
Blaine was our neighbor for 44 years, and instantly became a friend. He was always so outgoing and happy. He made everybody smile. We will miss his dailyâ€hey, neighbor “ greeting. Thoughts and prayers for Pam and the kids.
Carol Warren
Friday, June 17, 2022
Blaine was our cheerleader for Jesus We will miss him so very much.
Shirley mccutchen
Friday, June 17, 2022
I worked wirh Blaine in the Harrison School system and enjoyed his sense of humor and energy. We had good visits about Alpena and I he always treated me wirh great respect. Sorry for loss as I am sure he will be missed my many.
Shirley Mccutchen
Jim Gibbany
Friday, June 17, 2022
He will y missed he was a good friend to my wife and myself
Tammy Goettl
Friday, June 17, 2022
Blaine was one of the kindest people I've ever met. His smile was infectious, and would fill a room. His love for All kids was heart warming. It was a honor to be his friend. We not only lost a amazing friend, we lost a hero.
Untl we meet again..
Laura Bailey
Friday, June 17, 2022
Mr. Blaine as my son so called him was such a gracious and patient person especially with my son. He had more patience than anyone I have ever known. He taught my son more than I ever good and was always so happy to see him. I had seen him on several occasions and he remember everyone of my childrens names and asked about them every time. He was always worried about Hunter and always would point out that he he was so proud of him. Mr. Blaine you will be missed by our family. Bless you for all you have done and always keep smiling and I hope Hunter carries the light you gave to him always.
Kimberly vick
Friday, June 17, 2022
You were a great Christian man you were always happy and cheerful you always had a smile on your face you were aws ok me brother blane he will be greatly missed love ve u brother
Rest in peace brother blaine
David E Miles ( Msg. Ret.)
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Our brother will be missed.
Chuck and Denise Abston
Thursday, June 16, 2022
We are praying for you Kevin and Jennifer. God be with you both as you celebrate your dad's life, as you mourn his passing and grieve his loss. I pray your sons will have indelible memories they can recall all their lives long of their grandpa.
Lisa Massengale
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Blaine always had a big smile and poem for us. We will miss him. Love and prayers for his family.
Kerri Hooten
Thursday, June 16, 2022
What a wonderful tribute to Uncle Blaine! Oh the memories I have of him! I feel so fortunate to have been able to see him one last time a few weeks ago. I will never forget his words to us … “choose joy!†Much love to all of you!!! Praying for peace only He can give.
Carlis and Lydia Smith
Thursday, June 16, 2022
I remember the beautiful smile! He's enjoying the streets of gold and the face of his Savior, Jesus Christ!
Praying for the family!
Edwin C Marshall
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Blaine was my cousin. I regret that I haven't seen him or Brenda since the 80s. My biggest memory of Blaine was that contagious laugh of his . My condolences to his wife and children.
Shyla Petz
Thursday, June 16, 2022
I had the ultimate pleasure of knowing Blaine as "Dad" to my good friend Jasmin. I will say, to her, that man hung the moon. He was more than a grandfather to her. He always had a good joke to tell but wise words to share. It didn't take any time for me to realize what a special man he was! God sure did strike gold bringing him home and I will look forward to meeting him again. My love and prayers are with you all.
Jacob Moore
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Blaine was one of a kind. From my earliest childhood memories growing up at Harrison First Assembly of God, I remember Blaine and Pam. He was a dear friend to my Grandmother Connie Roller, and I have always cherished the Richardsons. Blaine was always an advocate for the church and the kids. My dearest memory of Blaine is that everytime we saw each other, for all 37 years of my life, he would shake my hand tight, pull me in and embrace me firmly and tell me how proud he was of me. I love that man and will truly miss him until the day we are all reunited in Heaven together.
Gerald Pederson
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Sorry to hear that Blaine has passed , I knew Blaine when he served in the National Guard , he was always taking care of soldiers in anyway he could. He was a great leader . I also remember Blaine back in the 70's in Thursday night Industrial Bowling League, of course he was on a good team, Richardson Oil Company . My condolences and prayers too all the Family . RIP MSG Blaine Richardson .
larry simmons
Thursday, June 16, 2022
FIRST MET BLAINE IN 1986 AT HARRISON FIRST ASSEMBLY. I CAME TO KNOW HIM WELL AND CONSIDERED HIM A GOOD FRIEND. LAST SAW HIM AT THE CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING IN APRIL. SURE HAVE MISSED HIM. PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY
Randy Powers
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Blaine was one of the best person that I have ever met. He always had a huge smile on his face and always liked to see his coworkers when he worked with the kids in the Harrison School District. He was truly a great man and he will be missed dearly.
Gary Hammett
Thursday, June 16, 2022
My cousin and brother in Christ that I was not able to spend much time with down here but I am truly looking forward to being with you and the rest of the family in our heavenly home.
Larry Coffman
Thursday, June 16, 2022
The Blaine Richardson (as there is only one) is a Very Dear & Personal Friend of mine.
What a Great relationship we had in business with Richardson Oil & Pepsi Cola Co. and our church life.
Every time I would see Blaine he always Always had a smile, a firm handshake, and a hug!
Nobody has any more integrity and can do attitude than Blaine!
There is no telling how many children he helped stay or get back on the right track in The A School, and The Youth at church. Also adults as he taught Sunday School for adults also. He Knows and Loves The Lord as The Lord Loves him.
The word Brother in the dictionary should have a picture of My Brother Blaine.
Love you like a brother Blaine because “You are My Brother!â€
Prayers for you and your Dear Family