Spiva Gene Richardson, D. V. M., was born in Louisville, Mississippi, the only child of Spiva and Ward Dell M. Richardson. He graduated from Louisville High School in 1953 and continued his education at Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and at Auburn University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
During his years living and practicing veterinary medicine in Louisville, Dr. Richardson was active in numerous clubs and organizations. As a member of the Rotary Club, he was a former president, he was two-time Paul Harris fellow, and he maintained perfect attendance for 30 years. He was a member of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, Mississippi Cattleman’s Association, founding member of Tibby Creek Hunting Club, a Mason, and a clinical preceptor with Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Richardson was also the recipient of the Winston County Farmer of the Year award in 2014, and he received a plaque from the Winston Cattleman’s Association in 2019, recognizing his 55 years of commitment and dedicated service to the cattle producers of Winston County.
For 58 years, Dr. Richardson was an active member of First Methodist Church, where he served as president and member of the Administrative Board.
Dr. Richardson enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life, such as wine making, woodworking, hunting, and growing roses. He carved dough bowls, ducks, and rabbits. He designed and carved jewelry from cow and deer horns, as well as making black powder horns that had beautiful carvings of wildlife. He also was an avid hunter, and he enjoyed numerous memorable hunting trips with his son, Craig. For many years, he enjoyed growing hybrid tea roses and sharing bouquets of roses with family and friends. He had over 50 hybrid tea rose plants, and he never wanted anyone else to “mess with his roses.”
When Dr. Richardson was growing up in the early 1950s in Louisville, he and Jimmy and Stanley Hathorn got permission to have one of the first campers at the Neshoba County Fair. During the day, he worked at Double S Angus Farm, and Jimmy and Stanley worked at Triple H Ranch. After working all day, they headed back to the fair every night of fair week.
He loved animals all his life, and he knew he wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age. He truly loved working as a veterinarian throughout his long career.
Dr. Richardson is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Betty Nowell Richardson and his three children: Mary Margaret (Marti) Richardson of Ridgeland, Mississippi; Craig Richardson and wife Susan of Atlanta, Georgia; and Angela Richardson Yarbrough and husband Danny of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Molly Richardson, Reese Richardson, Elizabeth Ann Yarbrough, Daniel Yarbrough, and John Yarbrough.
The family would like to thank the staff of Winston Medical Center for their compassionate care. They would also like to thank Dr. Michael Ard and his staff and Dr. Justin Baker and his staff at Jackson Oncology Associates.
Serving as pallbearers are Dr. H. D. Stokes, J. B. Blanset, Dr. Stephen Hunter, David Crowson, Danny Ward, James (Burr) Warner, and Jason Warner. Serving as honorary pallbearers are the Louisville High School Class of 1953, Randy Eaves, Gene Windham, Wade Hailey, Michael Dean, Giles Ward, Gendal Reid, and Hubert Hunter.
Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Louisville or to the charity of your choice. Dr. Richardson was so blessed by the gift of life and the generosity of others for the past 18 months, and the family asks that you consider making a blood donation.
Visitation will be Monday, July 19 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 20 at First Methodist Church with Bro. Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will also be the day of the service at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Memorial Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
