Gerald O. Richeson

Gerald O. Richeson

January 21, 2011

Gerald O. Richeson, of Spruce Pine, Ala., passed away on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at Russellville Health Care Center.

Gerald was born in Russellville, Ala. to parents William Thomas and Annie Mae Byars Richeson on February 18, 1926.  He attended Russellville High School, retired from T.V.A., and was a cattleman and poultry farmer for many years.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by brothers, Ralph, Henry, Leon, Wallace, Elliot, and Ray Richeson, as well as sisters, Berniece Moore and Anne Flood.

During World War II, he served as a member of General Patton’s army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge at the early age of 18.  During his service, he bonded with Dale Poldberg from Iowa, and they maintained a close “army buddy” friendship over the years.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jackie Hester Richeson; sister, Madeline Hunnan, of Concord, Calif.; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews; and Alan Newell, a devoted son.

Funeral services were held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 with Brothers Jerome Sherrill, Johnny Richardson and Jackie Richardson officiating.  Burial was in Franklin Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be nephews and great nephews. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Alan Newell, David Sizemore, Bill Ezell, Curtis Grissom, Johnny Pennington, Donald Entrekin, David Bray and Orland Britnell.

The family extends a special thank you to the employees of Russellville Health Care for their devotion and exceptional care and love during his stay.