Charles Wallace Richardson

The Meaning of Life is to Find Your Gift. The Purpose of Life is to Give it Away ~ Pablo Picasso Charles Wallace Richardson October 1947- August 11th 2020 Charles was better known as Santa and/or Rich. Charles proudly served in the United States Navy. He is a Vietnam Veteran February 1965 - March 1974 Charles felt honored to be a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, standing the flag line with and for his fellow veteran brothers and sisters. He was best known to the PGR as Santa. He truly valued the friendships that were formed while Standing for Those Who Stood for Us. He later became a member of the Local VFW and AMVETS in Leesburg FL. Charles worked to bring awareness to PTSD, in the hopes of reducing the 22 average veteran suicides per day. He founded The PTSD/Suicide Awareness Army https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036111316435681/ "Santa" brightened the hearts of children and adults when he made public appearances. He always said his Christmas gift to himself, for many years, was being Santa for the "Shriner's Kids Christmas Party". He shared his gift of compassion and was Santa to all who met him. Charles served as the Dallas TX Pistol Club President for several years and was a competitive shooter. Charles was a talented photographer for over 55 years. He enjoyed sailing, boating, and being near the water. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Sherrie Flashofsky, son Paul Jay Richardson, daughter Nina (Richardson) Nelson & son-in-law Jay Nelson, step-son Brad Walls & daughter-in-law Sarah Walls, grandson Brandon Kelley Richardson, granddaughter Bailey Walls & grandson Reid Meeler, Jay Pounders to whom he was a Guardian of. He was preceded in passing by his parents Mary & Earnest Richardson, brother Earnest Jr, brother David Richardson, sister Diane Keffer and step-daughter Lindsey Addamo. A gathering for Rich's friends and family will happen on Thursday, August 20 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, 1123 W. Main St. in Leesburg, FL. He will be inurned at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Friday, August 21 at 2:00 pm with honors. For those who wish to join the Funeral Procession: Patriot Guard Riders and local Police will escort friends and family from Beyers to Bushnell. Procession will depart Beyers at 12:45pm and should arrive at Bushnell 1:45 - 2:00pm. Following the burial there will be reception at Kelley's Lunchbox 110 Jumper Drive North, Bushnell, FL If you wish to honor Charles with a charitable donation, memorial contributions can be made to either: Lake County Shrine Club 424 North Duncan Drive (SR-19) P.O. Box 1744 Tavares, FL 32778 or https://oneteamonefightptsd.org/donate

Charles Wallace Richardson

October 26, 1947 - August 11, 2020