Robert Lee Richardson, Jr. MD, of Memphis was born April 28, 1935, to Robert L. Richardson, Sr and
Thelma C. Hastings Richardson in Paris, TN. He passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Methodist
Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
He attended school in Manleyville and Springville, Tennessee. Upon graduation, he obtained his premed degree at UT Martin followed by medical school at UT Memphis. Internship was served at Baptist
Memorial Hospital in Memphis. In 1961, Dr. Richardson joined the Air Force as a Captain. After being
honorably discharged, he returned to Baptist Hospital in Memphis for a general surgery residency,
followed by two years of specialized training in Thoracic and Cardiovascular surgery. That was followed
by an appointment to associate professor and head of training for Cardiac Surgery at the University of
Tennessee Health Science Center. He furthered his cardiac training in Houston, Texas, and Paris, France.
He was elected the second President of the UTHSC faculty as well as holding many other committee
positions during his tenure.
In 1977, he began his private practice in cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, and thoracic surgery with Dr.
H. E. Garrett, Sr. Together, they assembled a group of 13 surgeons that covered all hospitals in the
Memphis area. Dr. Richardson served as Chairman of the Board for the Cardiovascular Center Medical
Group for 12 years. The Richardson Family Henry County Educational Trust, of which he was a
benefactor, was formed in 1997. His love of helping young men and women further their education held
a special place in his heart. For several decades he was a significant donor to the University of Memphis
and was awarded the Ralph Hatley Silver M Award in 2002 in recognition of this support.
He spent most of his practice years at Methodist Hospital doing heart surgery. The crew of people that
worked with him in room 23 were his pride and joy. Valve surgery was their primary focus and Dr.
Richardson’s specialty. During these years he served the hospital as Associate Chief of Staff, Chairman of
the Senior Leadership Council, and Chairman of the Thoracic Cardiovascular Department, as well as
other committees. He was founder of MetroCare Physicians, a practice arm of Methodist Physicians.
Upon retiring from surgery, he, along with some family members, purchased Memphis Plywood
Corporation. This company has grown significantly over the last two decades and supplies fixtures to
many buildings in the Eastern USA. Dr. Richardson served as Chairman of the Board for eleven years
during this growth period.
He was predeceased by wife Jane Richardson and son Dr. Robert “Bo” Richardson III. He leaves his
children: John Stewart (Joni), James “Randy” Richardson (Cathy), Susan Horn (Steve) and June White
(Dave). Dr. Richardson and Jenny Mitchell were married in 1993. She has two sons: Hunter Mitchell
(Lisa) and Dr. Gregg Mitchell (Amy). He also leaves fourteen grandchildren and three great
grandchildren. Local survivors include daughter-in-law Dawn Richardson and several cousins.
A private family graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in
Memphis. The family requests in lieu of flowers, any memorials should be sent to either the American
Heart Association, Christ Church Memphis, or the Richardson Family-Henry County Educational Trust –
PO Box 1090 Paris, TN 38242-1090.