DENZEL RICHARDSON

NORTON, VA- Denzel Pascal Richardson, 97, went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior 

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from his home with his loving family by his side.

Denzel was a born again Christian and was a member of the Ramsey Freewill Baptist Church. He loved attending church and the fellowship with his church family. 

Denzel honorably served his country in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the Providence Cruiser and again in the United States Army during the Korean War in the 48th MASH Unit. He was a proud United States Veteran. 

Once Denzel met the love of his life, Myrtle Louise Bloomer, there was no stopping their love. He walked countless times from Toms Creek to Pardee, for the opportunity to spend time together, and then walked back home. This was something he continued during his time in the service. He would walk/hitchhike from Norfolk, VA to Pardee to see his beloved Louise. He would port on a Friday evening and have to be back by Monday morning. Hundreds of miles just to see his Louise, before and after they were married.     

After his military service Denzel worked many jobs, then went to work for Appalachian Construction as an equipment operator building roads in southwest Virginia. He then went to work for Paramont Coal as an equipment operator where he was known as “Hard Rock” and stayed until his retirement. He believed in working to support his family. 

Denzel enjoyed playing the guitar and other musical instruments. He enjoyed working on automobiles and repairing things he thought someone else could use, be it a bicycle, a piece of furniture or anything else he could fix. But his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family. He “LOVED DEEP” when it came his Lord, his family and his country.  

Denzel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Myrtle Louise (Bloomer) Richardson; his parents, Luther Marvin and Rosie (Kennedy) Richardson; sisters, Delphia Hatcher, Imogene Mullins, Carrie Bell Dean , JoAnn Richardson and Evelyn Richardson; brothers, Joe Thomas Richardson and John Lewis Richardson;  son-in-law, Jeff Absher; and daughter-in-law  Monica Jones Richardson.

 Survivors include his daughter, Jo Ella Absher- Norton, VA; sons, Ronnie Richardson (Sissy)-Norton, VA, Gary Richardson (Sherry)-Big Stone Gap, VA, Allen Richardson (Judy)- Beckley WV and Charles Richardson (Regina)-Wise, VA; grandchildren, Amber Fisher (Eric), Cristian Martin (Jason) Joshua Richardson (Laura), Kara Heino, Ashley Dales (Jason), Derek Talbott (Victoria), Chris Britt (Katie) and Justine Britt; great-grandchildren Kaden Fisher, Randy Richardson, Mallory Richardson, Landon Martin, Gabriella Britt, Avery Fields, Kinleigh Fields, Tucker Dales, Bryson Talbott and Braeden Talbott; brothers Frank Richardson-Wise, VA and Winston Richardson ((Pam)-Rogersville, TN; several nieces and nephews; his church family, and a host of friends and loved ones. Denzel was known as Pappaw to many others, especially Ashley Scott, Katie Light, Kimberly Adkins, Brianna Jones, Cheyenne Jones, Devon Jones and many others whom he loved.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Bernie Sergent for his most excellent care. 

Funeral services were conducted at 7:00pm Friday May 2, 2025 in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Powers and Reverend Randy Carter officiating. The family received friends from 5:00pm until time of services. 

Whitesburg VFW Post 5829 conducted military services on the funeral home parking lot at 11:00 am Saturday May 3, 2025. Graveside services followed at the Laurel Grove Cemetery on Kentucky Avenue in Norton, VA where Ronnie Richardson, Gary Richardson, Allen Richardson, Charles Richardson, Joshua Richardson and Kaden Fisher served as pallbearers. Family and friends met at the funeral home by 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Ramsey Freewill Baptist Church, care of Paul Ramey, 219 East 9th Street N, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA served the family of Denzel Pascal Richardson.