Robert Richardson | Obituaries | parispi.net

Dr. Robert Lee Richardson Jr. of Memphis, died Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

He was born April 28, 1935, the son of Robert L. Richardson, Sr. and Thelma C. Hastings Richardson in Paris, Tenn.

He attended school in Manleyville and Springville, Tenn. After graduation, he earned a pre-med degree from UT Martin and then enrolled in medical school at UT Memphis. He completed his internship at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

In 1961, Dr. Richardson joined the Air Force as a captain. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Baptist Hospital in Memphis for a general surgery residency, followed by two years of specialized training in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. He was then appointed associate professor and director of cardiac surgery training at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

He furthered his cardiology training in Houston, Texas and Paris, France. He was elected as UTHSC’s second faculty president and served in numerous other committee positions during his tenure.

In 1977, he entered private practice in cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and thoracic surgery under the supervision of Dr. HE Garrett Sr. Together they formed a group of 13 surgeons who worked in all the hospitals in the Memphis area. Dr. Richardson served as chairman of the board of directors of the Heart Center Medical Group for 12 years. The Richardson Family Henry County Educational Trust, of which he was the benefactor, was established in 1997. His love of helping young men and women further their education held a special place in his heart. He was a significant donor to the University of Memphis for several decades and in 2002 received the Ralph Hatley Silver M Award in recognition of this support.

He spent most of his practice years at Methodist Hospital, performing heart surgery. The crew of people who worked with him in room 23 were his pride and joy. Valve surgery was their primary focus and Dr. Richardson’s specialty. Over the years, he served as the hospital’s deputy chief of staff, chairman of the Senior Council, and chairman of the thoracic circulatory disease division, among other committees. He was the founder of MetroCare Physicians, a division of Methodist physicians.

After retiring, he and several family members purchased the Memphis Plywood Corporation. The company has grown significantly over the past two decades and supplies fixtures to many buildings in the eastern United States. During this period of growth, Dr. Richardson served as chairman of the board for 11 years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jane Richardson, and son, Dr. Robert “Bo” Richardson III.

He leaves behind his children: John (Joni) Stewart, James “Randy” (Cathy) Richardson, Susan (Steve) Horn and June (Dave) White. Dr. Richardson and Jenny Mitchell married in 1993. He has two sons, Hunter (Lisa) Mitchell and Dr. Gregg (Amy) Mitchell. He also left behind 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Local survivors include daughter-in-law Dawn Richardson and several cousins.

A private family graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis. Family requests for flowers and memorials should be sent to the American Heart Association, Christ Church Memphis or the Richardson Family-Henry County Educational Trust, PO Box 1090, Paris.