John Edward Richardson

John Edward Richardson, Sr., affectionately known as "Big John," was the ninth of sixteen children born to the late David Richardson, Sr. and Inez Joiner Richardson on September 1944, in Tchula, Mississippi. Surrounded by the love of his family, John peacefully answered God's call and entered eternal rest on July 13, 2026.

John accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Lexington, Mississippi, where his lifelong foundation of faith began. He attended Mount Zion Elementary School and Milestone Vocational High School through his sophomore year. Because of racial tensions and concerns for his safety, he moved to Compton, California, to live with his older sister, Ruth King, where he completed his junior year of high school. John later returned to Mississippi and graduated from Tchula Attendance Center, where he played football and met the love of his life, Fannie Wade.

Shortly after graduating from high school, John moved to Chicago, Illinois, in June 1963, where he lived with his brother, Leon Richardson. On May 18, 1964, he united in holy matrimony with Fannie Wade. Together they shared a loving marriage and were blessed with two children, John Edward Richardson, Jr. and Coretta Richardson.

John was a hardworking and dedicated provider. Throughout his career, he worked for Chicago Embroidery Company, Campbell Soup Company, and Dakota Meat Packing Company as a truck driver. During the 1990s, he also owned and operated a neighborhood tavern. Due to a work-related injury and declining health, he was eventually forced to retire from both occupations.

In his younger years, John was an old-school territorial professional wrestler during the 1970s, competing under the ring name "Black Bruiser." Known for his tough, hard-hitting style and commanding presence in the ring, he wrestled throughout the regional territory system, primarily in the South and Midwest. Although he competed before professional wrestling gained widespread national exposure, John took great pride in being part of an era that helped shape the sport's rich history. He was also a proud and faithful member of the A.F. & A.M. Original Most Worshipful St. John's Grand Lodge of Chicago, Illinois, Alpha Lodge No. 5.

One of John's greatest passions was fishing. Whether with family or friends, he never passed up an opportunity to be on the water. He especially enjoyed teaching others how to fish and gladly shared his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.

On Watch Night Service, December 31, 2002, John drove his wife and daughter to Union Missionary Baptist Church. Although he initially planned to remain outside, he heard Pastor Rev. Marvin Alexander preaching and felt God calling him to come inside. That very night, he united with the church and remained a faithful member until his health no longer allowed him to attend regularly.

John faithfully served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and stood faithfully beside his beloved pastor. He was deeply committed to the work of the church and believed that God's house should always be cared for with excellence. Whether repairs were needed, the parking lot required attention, or there was work to be done around the church, John could always be counted on to take care of it. He often said, "How you live and treat people is a reflection of who you are."

He was known as an old-school deacon— man of integrity, wisdom, and conviction. He encouraged young people, mentored young men, and was never afraid to speak the truth in love. Church members often sought his guidance, and when concerns arose, John respectfully brought them to Pastor Alexander while offering thoughtful solutions instead of complaints. His leadership, faithfulness, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on his church family.

HE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY

his parents, David Richardson, Sr. and Inez Richardson; his brothers, David Richardson, Jr., Leon Richardson, and Redic Richardson; and his sisters, Jestine Williams, Sylvia Sloan, Ruth King, and Louise Carpenter.

HE LEAVES TO CHERISH HIS PRECIOUS MEMORIES

his devoted wife of 62 years, Fannie Richardson; his son, John Edward Richardson, Jr. (Kathy) of Richmond, Texas; his daughter, Coretta Richardson of Surprise, Arizona; his siblings, Lethonia Richardson of Lexington, Mississippi; Randolph Richardson (Liz) of Detroit, Michigan; Amie Thurman of St. Louis Missouri; Daisy Haywood of Farmers Branch, Texas; Pastelle Bivens of South Haven, Mississippi; and Sherwin Richardson, Dr. Hal Richardson, and Dr. Brenda Richardson, all of Los Angeles, California.

JOHN ALSO LEAVES BEHIND

seven beloved grandchildren; Johanna, Antoine, John III, Jasmine, Dominic, Courtney and Jonah. God brother Clarence Fox, Goddaughter, Jane Pedraza and Godson, LaSean Thompson, sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his love, wisdom, strength, and legacy.