Willard Ott Richardson, 77 of Columbus, MS passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the State Veterans Home, Kosciusko, MS.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  A funeral service will be held at Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM.  A graveside will follow at Murrah's Chapel Cemetery, Columbus, MS.

Mr. Richardson was born on December 30, 1944, in Columbus, MS to the late Lelon and Lottie Richardson of Columbus, MS.  Mr. Richardson retired in 2009 from Ceco after 41 years as a 2-line operator.  Mr. Richardson loved deer hunting, Nascar racing, working in his garden, and being outdoors.

Mr. Richardson is preceded in death by his wife, Violet Richardson of Columbus, MS; daughter – Jennifer Richardson, Columbus, MS; brothers – Howard (Linda) Richardson, Ethelsville, AL, Junior (Sarah) Richardson, Columbus, MS, Chesley Richardson, Columbus, MS; sisters – Evelyn (Gene) Bailey, Columbus, MS, Betty (Jimmy Ray) Montgomery, Columbus, MS, Ruby Richardson, Columbus, MS.

Mr. Richardson is survived by his son – Marty (Crystal) Richardson, Columbus, MS; daughter – Tonia Jones, Columbus, MS; granddaughter – Chelsea Jones, Columbus, MS; brothers – Larry (Peggy) Richardson, Columbus, MS, Johnny Richardson, Macon, MS; sisters – Faye Richardson, Columbus, MS, and Wilda Lehr, Columbus, MS.

Pallbearers will be Greg Bailey, Robert Richardson, Michael Carter, Mike Carter, Jeffery House, and Charlie Mordecai.  Honorary pallbearers will be Former employees of Ceco and employees of the State Veterans Home of Kosciusko, MS.

Memorials may be made in honor of Willard Ott Richardson to State Veterans Home, 310 Autumn Ridge Drive, Kosciusko, MS  39090.