MSG John T. Richmond, Jr., Retired - Army
Join us in celebrating MSG John—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
On Sunday morning, June 26, 2022, our hearts were saddened upon hearing that our much loved and treasured spouse/father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, John Richmond, had transitioned to his eternal home.
At an early age, John accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Friendship (Missionary) Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. He asserted his belief to the end and was a faithful servant.
Born August 11, 1929, to John Thomas and Addie Atkinson Richmond in Brunswick, Ga., John was the oldest of eight children. Four brothers and one sister preceded him in death. In 1947, John graduated from West Charlotte High School, where he developed lifetime hobbies in Art and Photography. Later he became an avid reader, and also enjoyed music and movies as interests.
John entered the U.S. Military and served at military bases in the U.S., Canada, and Europe during his 23-year career with the 33rd Engineering Corp. He was a construction foreman. John fought in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and other medals and certificates of distinction during his years in the military. After leaving the Army, John was employed by the US Capital Police Force.
He returned to Charlotte yearly to visit family and friends. He attended most weddings, funerals, and enjoyed "Baby Lil's" cookouts, Aunt Duck's cooking and Cousin Jessie's pound cakes. He was kind, generous, and fair. Looking back, we should have given him medals for a lifetime of love and compassion.
John and his wife, Mildred, have two children: Michael (Carrie) and Antoinette (Larry). A doting father, he spent time with their children as they pursued hobbies and developed special interests in photography and art. He was proud of their successes in life. His only lament was not having grandchildren. Additional survivors are his sisters, Dr. Ida Richmond and Lillian Lewis, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins.
Each of us still needs a "parent" sometimes; someone who listens with their heart, conveys caring, and offers options, not commands. In our family, that someone has been John. Gone too soon, at age 92, alert to the end. Thank you, John, for being there for us. The child in us says that you should still be here and never leave us. We love you. We miss you. We won't forget you.
Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on July 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM.