John A. Richardson's Obituary
Pastor John Arling Richardson ran into the arms of his Savior on Monday
morning, July 29, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center following a three-month battle with large B cell lymphoma. He was born March 31,1942 in
Lakeland, FL and was the fourth child of eleven children born to Noah Lavon
Richardson and Daisy Brown Richardson. He married his favorite person in the
world, Sharon Kay Dunlap on April 6,1968 and moved to Lakeland, FL in 1978
where he resided on the home place until his death.
Pastor Richardson served in the United States Air Force and guarded bombers at
Incirlik Air Force Base in Adana, Turkey, entering at the age of 17. Upon his
return home to the states he was a golf pro at Par 3 Golf Center in Lakeland
where he enjoyed playing with Mr. George Jenkins, founder of Publix Super
Markets. During the summer months he a was a golf pro at St. Claire Shores,
Detroit, MI. Following God’s call to preach His Word, Pastor Richardson entered
Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, graduating in 1969. He pastored Mark
Baptist Church, Mark, IA for five years and Highlands Baptist (formerly Liberty
Baptist and Temple Baptist) in Lakeland for 36 years, retiring in 2016. While
pastoring Liberty Baptist and being bi-vocational he worked as a supervisor for
State Of Florida Children & Families.
He is survived by his greatest blessings from God, his wife Sharon of Lakeland
and children: Becky Richardson Oldham (Sam) of Colorado Springs, CO, Billie
Jane Richardson Sears (Sean) of Stoughton, MA and John Arling Richardson Jr.
of Charlotte, NC and three beautiful grandchildren: Garrett Sears (Leslie),
Boston, Lauren Sears Manseau (AJ), Lebanon, OH and Ryan Sears, senior at
Boyce College, Louisville, KY. He is also survived by sisters, Ginger Zekveld (Ari)
Norwich Ontario, Canada, Cynthia Scott, Lakeland, and Grace Donley (Melvin) of
Lakeland, brothers Charles (Brenda), and Thomas E. (Pam) and numerous
nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by brothers, Noah Lavon, Bobby,
Chester & Jerry and sister Nancy Plascencia.
A celebration of his life well lived will be held Saturday morning, August 3rd at
11:00 at Parkway Baptist Church, 4210 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland,
Florida 33813 with a visitation and viewing to be held on Friday evening August
2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 at the church. Pastor Richardson will be laid to rest in the
Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to First Tee of Lakeland in memory of John Richardson
by calling 863-577-0236, ext. 200.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
