The Honorable (Retired) James Eugene “Gene” Richardson, Sheriff of Appomattox County, 76, of Piney Ridge Road, Pamplin, died November 11,  at his residence. He was the husband of Carolyn Frazier Richardson.

Gene was born at home in Pamplin, on February 29, 1940; he was a son of the late Hattie Baldwin Richardson and James Everett “Jim” Richardson. He attended Appomattox High School and worked various jobs until he was deputized by Sheriff LL Stanley.  Gene found his passion as a police officer.  Shortly after becoming a deputy, he was elected as the Sheriff of Appomattox County in 1971.  Sheriff Richardson ran unopposed until his final term in 1991 and won by a large margin to later retire in 1995.  He retired as the six longest serving Sheriff in Virginia at the time of his retirement.  Sheriff Richardson served on many committees and boards including the board of directors of Central Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, Criminal Justice Advisory Committee of CVCC, Board of Directors of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, and Treasurer of Virginia Sheriff’s Association Boys and Girls Ranch.

He was a member of Piney Ridge United Methodist Church and the Woodmen of the World. Gene also had a passion for hunting, fishing, and hounds. “Bumble Bee’s” hunting memories will be shared by his family and the members of RR Hunt Club and PRCC Hunt Club for many years to come.  He also had a passion for farming and gardening.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons, Kerry E. Richardson (special friend, Traci) of Red House, J. Patrick Richardson (Karen), and Robby N. Richardson all of Pamplin; three daughters, Angela R. Mitchell of Martinsville, Norma R. Pollard of Pamplin, and Patricia R. Garrett (Jeff) of Spout Spring; brothers and sisters, Henry N. Richardson (Shirley) of Pamplin, B. G. Richardson (Brenda) of Pamplin, Rachel R. Lee (Wayne) of Appomattox, Willie R. Richardson (Wendy) of Pamplin, Brenda R. Brisentine (Charlie) of Pamplin, Shirley R. Cheatham (Ralph) of Spout Spring, Margaret R. Davis (Jimmy) of Pamplin, and David L. Richardson (Betty) of Pamplin; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Bernice Gibson Frazier of Pamplin, a former daughter-in-law, Lisa R. Fort (Dan) of Evington; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Thomas W. Richardson, to whom he donated a kidney in 1969, and his wife, Rachel.

A funeral service was held 3 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2016, at Piney Ridge United Methodist Church by the Rev. Marsha Davis and Rev. Anthony Reeves. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Pamplin Fire and EMS, P.O. Box 1338, Pamplin, VA 23958 or the Appomattox Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 57, Appomattox, VA 24522.

The family would like to thank his nurses Terry Hudson-Reed and Diann Pickett for their care.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com