Dr. John James Richardson

FLORENCE - Dr. John James Richardson (Jack) was born in Loris, SC on December 10, 1921, the son of the late Dr. Huger Richardson and Margaret Butler Richardson. He graduated from Loris High School in 1939, Wofford College in 1943, and the Medical College of Virginia Dental School in 1946. Dr. Richardson joined his brother, George, in the practice of dentistry in Florence, SC. He married the former Martha Jo Cockfield in 1950. After serving in the Air Force Dental Corps during the Korean War, Dr. Richardson and his young family moved to New York City while he pursued his degree in orthodontics. Upon graduation from Columbia University in New York City, he returned to Florence and practiced orthodontics for 40 years. Dr. Richardson passed away at his home on Thursday, October 9, 2014.

Dr. Richardson was past president of the Pee Dee Dental Association and past president of the South Carolina Orthodontic Association. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church and the Christian Family Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Florence Rotary Club. Dr. Richardson served on the Board of Visitors of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Richardson enjoyed many activities which stoked his competitive spirit at the bridge table, on the golf course and while fishing at Garden City Beach. He taught his children and grandchildren the love of sports and the meaning of sportsmanship.

Dr. Richardson was truly an example of a gentle man.


He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Jo Cockfield Richardson; two daughters, Jody Smith and her husband Dr. Murrell Smith of Sumter, and Martha Anne DeBerry of Florence; and a son, Dr. James A. Richardson and his wife Dr. Wendy Richardson of Florence. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Dr. Jamie Smith and his wife Laura of Florence, The Honorable Murrell Smith, Jr. and his wife Macaulay, Dr. Triz Smith and his wife Kelly, Mrs. Martha Jo Johnson and her husband Steven, all of Sumter, Mrs. Mollie Coleman and her husband Chisolm of Charleston, Mr. Steven DeBerry and his wife Jessica, Miss Martha Anne DeBerry, Miss Maddie Richardson, Mr. James Richardson, and Mr. John Wylie Richardson, all of Florence.

Dr. Richardson is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and his brother Dr. George Richardson.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the residence, 1112 Wentworth Drive, Florence, or at any time. The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2014, at Central United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 87, Florence, SC 29503.

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