Charles Ray Richardson's Obituary
Ray passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 12, 2016. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri to his loving parents, Carl and Virginia Richardson. He came from a large family and loved spending time with his many cousins. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1962. He later received his Master’s in Mathematics from Webster University in St. Louis.In 1965 he married Anita Duffey and became a happy San Diegan! They bought their first home in Lemon Grove, where they made wonderful lifelong friends. In 1976 they moved to their current home in San Carlos. Many memories were made over the years—Little League, Bunco, family get togethers, antiquing with the 3-Amigos…..the list goes on and on. Many of you were a valued part of those memories.Teaching was his passion for 37 years. The last 35 years were spent at Chula Vista Middle School by day and Grossmont College in the evening, for 20 of those years. He only quit when walking became so difficult, due to his diabetes. He truly loved his job and missed teaching and the excitement of imparting knowledge to his students! In recent years that void was filled by helping his grandchildren with their homework. His eyes would light up when the phone would ring, and one of the kids would ask, “Grandpa, could you help me with my homework?” How his mind stayed so sharp, for so long, is beyond me!Ray was blessed with 2 wonderful sons, Darren and Kevin, who provided him with 7 wonderful grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Alex, Amanda, Blake, Melanie, and Garrett. He never tired of spending time with them, helping with homework, going to birthday parties, or just hanging with them. They truly were the wind beneath his wings. He adored them, and the love was returned abundantly.In 2011, my cousin Jim, moved to San Diego, much to Ray’s delight. Once again, the decorator in him surfaced, and he spent many happy hours helping Jim decorate his condo. Every time we enter Jim’s condo, we feel Ray’s presence, and are reminded of his artistic talents. God sent Jim to be my other set of hands, when things got difficult for Ray. Jim helped get Ray to Dr. visits, and tended to him during my surgeries. There were far more good times than bad. We had many happy trips to Temecula, going out to dinner, visits with the kids, etc.etc.etc.Ray had many interests. First and foremost, was family. He also loved gardening (especially roses), art, classical/operatic music, and jewelry. He was always ready for a trip to Old Town Jewelers in Temecula to visit his favorite jeweler and have lunch at Rosa’s Cantina.As diabetes ravaged his body, and getting around became more difficult, he found peace and solitude, sitting in his renovated back yard, looking at his beloved roses, and listening to the birds sing. Spending time with family became his greatest priority.Ray was a huge presence in our lives, and will be incredibly missed by his extended family and many friends. We take great comfort in the fact that as Christians, we will see him again in heaven! What a happy thought –Ray running around on those streets of gold pain free, and no longer constrained by those confining braces! Oh, that will be glory for me!
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