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515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-7500
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-7500
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
803-775-7500

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In Memory of
Roland L. "Rich"
Richardson
1932 - 2018
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Obituary for Roland L. "Rich" Richardson

Roland Richardson, 85, of Sumter, SC., passed away Monday (March 19th) in his home surrounded by family. Roland was born July 13, 1932 in Fresno, CA. and was the only child of the late Daniel Boon and Dhema Cole Richardson. As Roland (Rich), grew up in Colorado and California, he developed a passion for flying from his parents who were pilots during the early era of flying. In the early 50’s Rich had the opportunity to achieve his dreams of flying when he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Pilot Program for the United States Air Force (USAF). Upon his graduation, the young, newly minted USAF Lt., Rich, swept the love of his life, Miss Kathryn Alexander DeBow, off her feet and they were married on August of 1953 in Clarksdale, MS. Their love lasted throughout their lives and included a 20 year, whirl-wind tour of northern Europe and the eastern US while Rich served as an officer in the USAF.

From 1951 to 1972 while Rich was in the USAF it was troubling times for the Nation. Over his career the USAF mobilized Rich during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and deployed him to the Korean Incident, and he flew 192 combat missions during his tours of duty in the Vietnam War, for which he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 13 clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service Medal. Rich was further honored by the USAF as the pilot with the most hours in the RF-101 by placing his name on the RF-101 static display at Shaw AFB where it remains.

After retiring in 1972 with 20 years in the USAF, Rich continued to pursue his love of flying as a commercial pilot for Executive Jet Aviation, followed by a period of time as an aerial applicator, that thrilled him with a flying style similar to the daring era of the early barn-stormers that drew him to flying in his youth. Rich entered the civilian service and returned to work at Shaw as Air Space Manager until his civilian retirement in 1995. Throughout this period and into his retirement Rich was active in the local Experimental Aircraft Association “EAA” Chapter 1456, of which he was a founding member.

Rich was a loving husband in a marriage that lasted over 60 years, he was respected and well-loved by his five daughters, and was an honored warrior in his service to the Nation. He will be missed.

He is survived by his five daughters and their families; Rhonda, Rebecca, Rachel, Renette, and Rivan; his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous lifelong friends.

The memorial service will be Saturday, March 24th at the Sumter Airport at 11:00am, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, SC.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral website www.ecsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Daedalians Scholarship Fund c/o 70th Flight Daedalians, PO Box 3192, Sumter, SC. 29151. Or the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 1456 at 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, SC. 29153.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roland L. "Rich" Richardson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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Proudly Serving the Communities of Sumter, Shaw AFB, Lee County, and Clarendon County
803-775-7500 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
Fax: 803-774-2037
Email: funeralhome@ftc-i.net
803-775-7500 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
Fax: 803-774-2037
Email: funeralhome@ftc-i.net
803-775-7500 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
Fax: 803-774-2037
Email: funeralhome@ftc-i.net
803-775-7500 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
Fax: 803-774-2037
Email: funeralhome@ftc-i.net
803-775-7500 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home
515 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
Fax: 803-774-2037
Email: funeralhome@ftc-i.net