MR. BARRY S. RICHARDSON

Memorial services for Mr. Barry S. Richardson will be held at 2 PM Saturday, May 10, 2025, at John E. Stephens Chapel. Visitation will begin at 1 PM Saturday, May 10, 2025, at John E. Stephens Chapel. Barry S. Richardson, 76, died on April 10, at his home in Union, MS, of a sudden and massive heart attack. Only just a few days before, he had undergone cataract surgery on his left eye and was sharing daily updates on his improving vision. He had no inclination of his impending death, and that’s exactly how he would have preferred it. Barry was taciturn, incredibly blunt, intense, often impatient and rude. He would deny none of these descriptors nor would he boast of them. But he was also generous beyond measure, thoughtful, deeply rational, an immediate problem solver, witty, and energetic, always at the ready. He was the person people would call when they needed help, a loyal and dedicated friend to so many. The absence of his competence will be felt as much as that of his presence; if he had a life goal, it was certainly to be of use. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi “Bill” and Elsie Richardson and recently by his beloved dog, BD (Barry’s dog). He is survived by his two daughters Sarah Alexander and Shane Prada and her husband Michael, two grandchildren, Julia and Jude Alexander, two brothers, Ray and Larry Richardson, and a host of nieces. A cabinet maker and woodworker by trade, he built many homes in Union for both family and friends and made myriad repairs to countless dwellings and structures. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, his curiosity leading him down paths of research and introspection. He was always busy, whether repairing furniture or building something new. Happiest in his woodshop, he had a mathematical mind and an innate gift for fabrication. He enjoyed tedium and crafting objects carefully and slowly. He was anti-consumerist and anti-capitalist by nature which was evident in his approach to his work and his ethos toward his community. He loved music, especially jazz, and films and comedy. He was impossible to offend and could be surprisingly excellent at conversation. His recent hobbies include lurking on Reddit and making snarky political memes. Barry wouldn’t want any of his beloved friends and family to be sad, but he would want us to make the most of our time, especially now that he no longer can. He didn’t fear aging or death, and he was remarkably good at being present. His was a complicated but well-lived life. He will be deeply missed, but hopefully frequently remembered as he would have liked that very much.

MR. BARRY S. RICHARDSON

March 21, 1945 - April 10, 2025