The Rev. David Richardson is remembered for his service and dedication

Sep. 10—OXFORD — The Rev. David Richardson, who died on Sept. 6, was a man of many parts. Preacher, leader, administrator. He was all of these, and more.

The Rev. Richardson had served on the Granville County school board since December 2016 and became chairman of the board in December of 2020.

He was pastor of Peace's Chapel Baptist Church, having accepted the call to that pulpit in September 2020.

With the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, he was chairman of the Committee on Convention Meetings at the time of his death.

Granville County Public Schools Superintendent Alisa McLean said school officials "are all deeply saddened" by the Rev. Richardson's passing.

"Simply put, he was a joy to be around," Superintendent McLean said. "As an incredible champion for Granville County Public Schools' educators and children, his passion and compassion for people were always present as he worked to leave places better than he found them. He was intentional about doing that for our school district and for all with whom he came in contact."

She added, "Mr. Richardson was respected and thought of fondly in our district and greater community. I personally never saw a day he did not ask, 'What can I do for you all?' He will greatly be missed."

"As a constant champion of public education, Chairman Richardson leaves some very big shoes to fill," said board Vice Chairwoman Amanda LaBrecque. "The board is tasked with carrying on his legacy and we will strive to, as Mr. Richardson would say, 'keep children at the forefront' with each passing decision. With an eager spirit and light-hearted attitude, he will be missed greatly."

Former school board member Tom Houlihan had a chance to observe Richardson's work on the school board, where they both served. "He followed me as chairman of the school board." Mr. Houlihan said.

"The board has some real challenges, and they won't be made easier by having to go through a transition of leadership," he said. "They'll miss David."

Mr. Houlihan mentioned two of those challenges and how the Rev. Richardson responded to them. When the board was considering the consolidation of schools in the southern part of the county, the Rev. Richardson's "calm, low key personality helped the board deal with it," Mr. Houlihan said.

Another contentious issue the board faced was the requirement that students wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. "His calm demeanor helped us get through that," Mr. Houlihan said.

The Rev. Frank Sossamon, retired pastor of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, said he and the Rev. Richardson worked together on Crime Stoppers in Granville County.

The Rev. Richardson was "very caring and gracious," the Rev. Sossamon said, adding, "He loved Granville County."

Noting that the Rev. Richardson had been at Peace's Chapel a short time, the Rev. Sossamon said the church showed signs of growth during his tenure there.

"He's the kind of pastor people can go to talk to," the Rev. Sossamon added. "He cares. It was noticed and people responded accordingly."

Seth Brown, director of convention relations for the Baptist State Convention, said he was impressed with Richardson's handling of two major responsibilities during the COVID crisis — chairman of the school board and pastor of his church.

"He had plenty of opportunities to complain, but he didn't," Mr. Brown said. "He never said an unkind word about anyone in the community or in his church."

In a Facebook posting, Peace's Chapel Baptist Church leaders said he had "set himself apart with an intense desire to make certain that every week no one was left 'unchanged and unchallenged' by the message of the Gospel.

"As a church, we can say with full confidence, Pastor David, that you have definitely left us changed for the better and equip[ped] for the challenges of the future."