Bernace Richardson

Bernace Richardson, 88, of Whitman, WV passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2011 after complications brought on by a fall. At his bedside were his loving wife of 64 years, Ruby (Mathis) Richardson and other members of his immediate family. He was born November 1, 1922 in Wise County, VA, a child of the late Garland Jefferson & Mary Savannah Richardson. Bernace was a retired coal miner with Island Creek Coal Company where he was a Tipple Foreman. He was a Veteran of WWII where he served with distinction with General George S. Patton's 4th Armored Division, 253rd Battalion. He was a member of the #14 Whitman Freewill Baptist Church and was a hunter, outdoorsman and avid gunsmith. His custom made guns/gunstocks grace the walls of many homes in this region. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sons Grady Lee & Larry Joe, 2 sisters Rachel Buchannan & Muriel Curry, 4 brothers Eldon, Alan, Lester & Herbert. Bernace left a host of family and friends and those include his loving wife, Ruby, 2 sons Gary Rhein (Karen) and Gary Lee (Sandy). Brother, Clifford of Coeburn, VA his sister Fay Causky of Laguna Niguel, CA. His grandchildren: Grady Jr., Amy, Christa, Kevin and Adam. Great grandchildren: Megan, Savannah, Jacob, Emma Grace, Addison, Brittany, Rachel, Connor, Autumn and Caitlyn. 2 Great great grandchildren Amare and A'shiyan. Bernace was loved and respected by so many people and will be missed by them as well. Service will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Monday at the #14 Whitman Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Henry Damron officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the James Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the #14 Whitman Freewill Baptist Church. Online Condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com. James Funeral Home in Logan is in charge of arrangements