William Gregory Richardson

William Gregory Richardson was born to Oren Ray Richardson and Verda Louise (Delling) Richardson on March 16, 1953, in West Plains, MO. He was called home to the kingdom of God on January 15, 2023, while surrounded by a host of loved ones.

Greg was joined in marriage to his beloved wife, Brenda Joann (Rector) Richardson, on December 21, 1973, and became a wonderful father to two children, Heather and Johnny Ray.

Greg always had a deep love for the Lord and a great passion for sharing that love with others. Throughout his young adult life he preached as an intern, was a youth leader and teacher, and later a deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church and Pioneer Baptist Church both located in Birch Tree, MO. Later, Greg went on to be the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winona, MO for 32 years. After retiring from his Pastoral career he and Brenda became members of First Baptist Church in Birch Tree, MO.

Even after retirement, he was still touching lives by continuing to be a living example of Christ's love and a beacon of the community. Even throughout his retirement years he was always keeping his hands and mind busy. He purchased a small sawmill that he, his son, and son-in-law ran together. He adored homesteading, his chickens, turkeys, and rabbits. He always made time for his wife, children, and grandchildren, and never had a negative word to say. He was a wonderful Pappy not only to his own grandchildren but to the many children that entered their home and church. Greg touched many lives during his time in this world from friends and family to strangers passing through. He always had something kind and encouraging to say. He never judged and always welcomed. He believed that everyone had a place in his church and made sure to convey that through his warm and comforting demeanor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oren Ray Richardson and Verda Louise (Delling) Richardson; his mother and father-in-law, John and Thelma (McCall) Rector; and brother and sister-in-law Gerald and Barbara Rector. His legacy lives on through his loving wife, Brenda; his daughter Heather, and her husband, Brent; and their children, Kyra, Reagann, and Cade; his son Johnny Ray; and his two daughters, Kami and Maliyah; his brothers Doug Richardson (Jewel) and Ryan (Teresa); brothers-in-law, Curt Rector (Betty), and Randy Rector (wife); as well as many nieces, nephews, and everyone who got the chance to be loved by him.

The light he brought into this world is not one that will burn out easily, if ever, as he set the entire world ablaze with his passion for service and sharing the word of God.

He was and still is greatly loved and will be missed for years to come.

Funeral services were held January 19, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri, with Pastor Ryan Banks officiating. Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Birch Tree, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.