of Bergman, AR
December 29, 1943 - May 13, 2021
James Douglas "Doug" Richardson, age 77, of Bergman, Arkansas, went to eternal life on Thursday, May 13, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born December 29, 1943, in Bergman, the son of Roy and Dorothy (Smith) Richardson, the youngest of three boys. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Louis Dwain Richardson and Clyde Richardson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Edna (Bailey) Kirkwood; and a brother-in-law, Gerald Kirkwood.
Doug was a member of the Oregon Flat Baptist Church in Bergman. He was a lifetime resident of Bergman. He graduated from Bergman High School in 1961. He was in the Army Reserves for 15 years. Doug began his career as a builder with Max Richey, building boat docks, and then went on to build houses with Bob Brown, and later worked with Harold Whiteneck.
Doug started his own business in 1971 along with his father building reproduction antique furniture. He specialized in china cabinets and also contracted with other local carpenters to expand his line of furniture. Around 1998, he was asked to build a casket for a client and that was the start of a new endeavor, which he continued until his death.
Doug was an avid quail hunter, which took him to Kansas for many enjoyable hunts, he loved raising goats and Longhorn cattle, planting a garden, and going to auctions looking for anvils and old tools. He could always be found around the shop cleaning up some of the antiques he bought at auctions or in his trademark camo hat in one of his two gardens.
Doug is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Kirkwood) Richardson; two children, Wesley Richardson of Cochoma, Texas and Shelley Richardson and fiancé Bruce Gardner of Bergman; two grandchildren, Danielle Freeman and husband Chris of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Travis Starbird of Centerton, Arkansas; a great-grandson, Caden Miller, of Bentonville; a "granddaughter by choice", Casee Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation was at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home on Sunday, May 16, 2021.
Graveside service was at Milum Cemetery, Lead Hill, Arkansas, Monday, May 17, 2021with Bro. Don Mulford, Bro. Frank Hillis, and Doug's nephew, Wendell Richardson, officiating.
Pallbearers were Rick Richardson, Tommy Richardson, Tim Richardson, Timmy Richardson, Donnie Dickerhoff, Cody Patton, James Riggs, and David Jones.
Honorary pallbearers were Rusty Hayes, Jay Patton, Larry Patton, Kenneth Whitney, Gary Jackson, Junior Warren, Farolle "Butch" Hinson, J. G. Williams, Ewell Dean Hodge, Gene Reeves, James Richard Bailey, Brad Bailey, Brad Olsen, Melissa Graham, and Tim Starkey.
In lieu of flowers, Doug and his family ask that donations be made to the Milum Cemetery, PO Box 302, Lead Hill, AR 72644.
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16 Condolence(s)
Anna Marie Carter Francis
Monday, May 17, 2021
So sorry to see about Doug. My Uncle Callie Jones spoke highly of Doug.
Robert & Ada Richardson and John & Anna Carter were "next-farm neighbors."
John & Carolyn Davidson
Monday, May 17, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today Marilyn. We have appreciated you and Doug and continue to love to listen to the video you two did for Sugarloaf. Doug had a wonderful sense of humor that always brought smiles whenever he quietly spoke and he had so much common sense and wisdom. Again thoughts and Prayers with you.
John and Carolyn
Fran Fellers Jones
Sunday, May 16, 2021
My condolences to Marilyn, Shelley, and Wes. My husband, Kenny, now in heaven, I'm sure already talking to Doug about his woodworking, garden, etc. Doug will be missed. Prayers for family as get through your loss of a special lived one.
Jack and Donia Cook and Harold and Helen Garrison
Sunday, May 16, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. Doug was such a good man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for all the family.
James L. Breece
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Marilyn, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during your time of grief, hard to believe all the boys are now gone, Doug will be missed.
Jim
Loretta Foresee
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Marylin , Wes and Shelly , so Sorry Doug will be greatly missed Our Love and Prayers are with you
Denni Wicker
Friday, May 14, 2021
Wesley, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.
Dianna Hudson Lee
Friday, May 14, 2021
Dear Marilyn- My thoughts and prayers to you, Wesley, Shelly and the grandkids. I always enjoyed being around Doug- his calm, relaxed manner always made you feel welcome. I could always look at him and see lots of my Richardson family I grew up around but were no longer with us. With love and sympathy- Dianna
Shelia Tucker
Friday, May 14, 2021
Marilyn and family, We are so sorry for this loss. Doug was truly and Icon for our Community! We will ALL miss him so much. God needed another angel to work for him.
John & Barbara Johnson
Friday, May 14, 2021
Our prayers and condolences to your family. I served with Doug for many years in the Army Reserve. He was a huge part of making Company D a family and I have nothing but good memories of him. I especially enjoyed when we mysteriously had venison for breakfast at Fort Chaffee.
Fern Nicholson
Friday, May 14, 2021
Always enjoyed seeing D in the garden at Lead Hill and visiting at his home. He will be missed.
Tina Dunlap Ames
Friday, May 14, 2021
Prayers for the family he will be missed
Debbie and Carl harp
Friday, May 14, 2021
Sorry, for your loss, he did enjoy his gardening and his goats. He will be truly missed.
De Riddle
Friday, May 14, 2021
Marilyn and family so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and bring you peace.
Mary croswhite
Thursday, May 13, 2021
So sorry, he was a truely ,truely nice person.
Dee Ann Cole
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Marilyn, Wes and family,
I'm so sorry to learn of Doug's passing. My thoughts and prayers for your family.