Charles Thomas "Tom" Richardson

Charles Thomas “Tom” Richardson, 81, of Bluefield, VA, went to be with the Lord on Sunday December 7, 2025 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Tom was a veteran of the US Air Force and served during Vietnam. He was a member of Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church in Bluefield, VA, and had worked at G.T.E. for many years, retiring from Verizon. Tom was a talented woodworker, even designing and building his home. He always listened to his Graham G-Men and Georgia Bulldogs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ronald “Skeeter” Richardson. Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Jane Richardson of Bluefield, VA; children, Traci Richardson Cassell and husband Chris of Dallas, GA, and Brad Richardson and wife Jennifer of Florida; four grandchildren, Taylor Cassell of Athens, GA, Brady Cassell of Dallas, GA, McKinley Richardson of Miami, FL, and Carter Richardson of Florida; sister-and brother-in-law, Jean and Sonny Harrold, nephews, Chuck, Cris and Scott Richardson; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jordan Bartlett, Jackson Richardson, Jenna Turak, and Logan Richardson; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. In January of 1961, a commitment was made to serve the citizens of Bluefield, Virginia. Tom always wanted to remain invisible when it came to serving his hometown. Throughout the years, he dedicated his time and energy to designing several of the frontline fire trucks, tankers, and even the custom tower ladder truck. He took such interest in the design because he was one of the firefighters who spent countless hours on ladders during some of the largest fires our town has ever faced. Because of his efforts, this generation now has some of the most state-of-the-art equipment and facilities available to the fire service. One of the things Tom was most known for was his ability to mentor. Over the years, he was incredibly proud of the firefighters he guided, many of whom went on to professional careers in the fire service and with the U.S. Forestry Hotshots. Most importantly, Tom always reminded everyone that family is what makes volunteers. He was endlessly proud of his wife, daughter, son, and his grandchildren. Some of his best memories came from time at the lake, golfing at Richwood, and, most recently, mornings spent with the coffee crew at Graham Mart. Relationships were the tradition he valued most. A service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mausoleum Chapel at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA, with Rev. Sherrill Michael officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluefield First Church of the Nazarene or Bluefield Virginia Fire Department.

Charles Thomas "Tom" Richardson

November 5, 1944 - December 7, 2025