William E. (Bill) Richardson of Magnolia, passed from this world into his heavenly home peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family, on April 19, 2026. Bill was born October 30th, 1934, in New York. He spent his early years in Palm Beach, Florida with his mother and stepfather, Henry Richardson. He graduated from Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. Bill earned an engineering degree and played lacrosse at Duke University, making him a Blue Devil for life. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he trained as a fighter (F4) and cargo plane (C-123) pilot, after which he was employed by the Martin Company in Orlando, Florida. After leaving Martin, he enjoyed a long career with Delta Airlines as an airline pilot captain from 1962 until his retirement in 1995.

He met and married his first wife of 17 years, Marilyn, and they raised four children while living in River Ridge, LA. Bill moved to his property in Magnolia, MS, and opened Mr. Bill's Christmas Tree Farm, where he enjoyed helping families get their Christmas trees year after year. In 1986, he met his wife, Connie, one Christmas season while she was purchasing a Christmas tree. He and Connie married in August 1987. They spent many happy years together on their farm. He loved being on the farm, cutting grass, raising cattle, and spending time with his ever-growing family.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie Easley Richardson, his children, Bill Richardson (Cheryl), Melanie Jagneaux (Nathan), John Richardson (Marisa), Charlie Richardson Sr (Jamie), Natalie McMahon (Tommy), Ashley Simmons (Lloyd) and Jacquelyn Cooper (Terry); Grandchildren, Charlie Richardson, Jr. (Callie), Drew Lewis (Brooke), Jake Richardson (Trinity), Haleigh Cooper (Joseph), Lauren Lewis (Billy), Connor McMahon, Emily Richardson, Molly Parker (Slaton), Avery Lewis (Adam), Abbey Richardson, Sydney Richardson, Miles Richardson, Elise Richardson, Graham Richardson, Jordyn Cooper; and great grandchildren,  Audrey Mae Richardson, Charlie Rae Richardson, Waylon Alberez, Wyatt James Lewis and Finley Kaye Richardson; and Baby boy Lewis due in June. He is also survived by his sister, Genie Richardson Wilmer (Jack).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Imogen and Henry Richardson, his sister Bonnie, her husband Ogden (Oggie) White, and his grandson, Todd Simmons.

A service will take place Wednesday, April 22nd with visitation from 1-3 pm and service at 3 pm at Terry's Creek Baptist Church, 1147 Church Rd., Magnolia. Burial will follow at Terry's Creek Baptist Church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be sons-in-law Tommy McMahon, Lloyd Simmons, Nathan Jagneaux, Terry Cooper, and grandsons Charlie Richardson, Jr., Drew Lewis, Jake Richardson, and Connor McMahon.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Marine 4F's Club (First Friday Fox Fellowship).

Special thanks to Hospice Compassus staff, especially Holly and Corey, for your caring and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Terry's Creek Baptist Church Children's Ministry.