Billy Joe Richardson

PLEASE NOTE...THE I.O.O.F. CEMETERY ADDRESS FOR THE GOOGLE MAP LOCATOR SHOULD BE 2605 COUNTY HIGHWAY 1, METROPOLIS, ILLINOIS. THIS ROUTE IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS NORTH AVENUE. Billy Joe Richardson, age 80 years, a resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, December 4, 2023, at 12:25 A.M. at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Community Living Center in Marion, Illinois. Billy was born July 12, 1943 in Grantsburg, Illinois. He was the youngest of eleven children born to Lester and Ruby (Henderson) Richardson. Billy is survived by: children – Billie Jo Mahoney of Grantsburg, Christi (Robert) Canada of Vienna, Richard Keith (Beth) Lewis of Bartlett; 11 grandchildren – Jessica Jo Richardson, Julius (Jordan) Mahoney, Jeremy (Casey) Mahoney, Andrea (Clinton) Rigsby, Vanessa Canada, Gabriel (Nikki) Canada, Leah Canada, Sophia Canada, Gius Canada, Diana Lewis, and Brandon Lewis; 9 great grandchildren – Lucas Richardson, Braylon Mahoney, Maverick Mahoney, Liam Mahoney, Tate ‘Taterbug’, Averi Canada, Duke Rigsby, Zyon Canada, and Ryker Canada; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters. Billy was a graduate of Metropolis High School. He earned an associate degree from Shawnee Community College. Billy was a member of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1968. He was a member of the Metropolis American Legion Post # 306. Billy was a self-employed automotive mechanic. He owned Richardson’s Garage and Speed Shop in Metropolis and later operated the business from his residence. Billy was an enthusiastic supporter and participant in drag racing and motor cross events, including the Daniel Boone Enduro Race, a 100 mile wilderness race. Billy also served as president of the Southern Illinois Scramblers. He lived his life for his kids and for his love of motorcycles and motor cross. Billy was a non-denominational Christian. Graveside military rites will be accorded Saturday afternoon, December 16, 2023, at 1 P.M. at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 2605 County Highway 1, Metropolis, Illinois, by the Beggs-Gurley VFW and Metropolis American Legion Posts and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Following the military rites, a prayer service will be conducted by Chaplain Lauren Lambert-Goheen. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 12:45 P.M. Saturday, December 16, 2023. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Billy Joe Richardson

July 12, 1943 - December 4, 2023