Mr. Paul Richardson, age 89, of Old Fort, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. A native of Alleghany County, Paul was born on November 25, 1921 to the late Meredith L. Richardson and Ethelyn Edwards Richardson. He came to Old Fort in 1944 shortly after being discharged with a 40% service connected disability from the Army Air Corps, having served during WWII. The prospect of employment with the Northwestern Bank brought him to Old Fort. Through hard work and diligence he ascended in the ranks of the bank to become Supervisor of the bank’s branches in Old Fort, Black Mountain, Marion and Swannanoa. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Old Fort Insurance Agency in 1949. He also was instrumental in establishing the Old Fort Golf Course where he served initially as Vice President and later as President. Paul served his community in many ways, as a member of the Old Fort Fire Dept. and as Chief for two years, as President, and as a member of the Board of Directors. He served on the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Old Fort and the McDowell County Board of Commissioners where he was Chairman of the Board for 9 years. He was also a member of the Old Fort and the McDowell County Chambers of Commerce. A proud veteran, he was a member of the American Legion, Post 56 and was also a member of Joppa Lodge #401, AF & AM. He was a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church. A brother, Earl Richardson, and two sisters, Hazel Pugh and Betty Edwards preceded him in death.

Surviving are his wife, Anita Stevens Richardson of the home; a son, Ron Richardson and his wife Jane of Old Fort; a sister, Faye Reeves of Sparta; a step-daughter, Donna Edmisten of Morganton; eight grandchildren, Dorran, Tracey, Jason, Amber, Harlie, Willie, Brianna and Madison; and five great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jordan, Peyton, Colton and Abbie.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Service and Cremations in Old Fort with Revs. Harold Webb and Ken Massengill. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in McDowell Memorial Park with military graveside rites provided by the U. S. Air Force.


REFERENCE: WESTMORELAND FUNERAL HOME OBITS