Bill Richardson loved the ocean. He was the captain of our family, safely navigating us through the waterways of life. He owned several yachts and enjoyed big game fishing which led him to many exotic ports. Bill sailed his final voyage on Sunday, September 26th, 2021. He was 92.
Bill Richardson was born on May 10th, 1929 in Thomas, Oklahoma to Unice and George Richardson. He was the second of eight siblings.
Bill went to school in Clinton, Oklahoma where he excelled at track and today, the Clinton High School Track bears his name.
After graduating high school, Bill joined the army at 17 years old. When his military duties were completed, he returned to Oklahoma and graduated business school with an emphasis in accounting. But he quickly found out that his true passion was the car business. He often told the “tale” of how he started with one “slick” car and when it sold, he was able to get two more cars. He kept this up until he owned car dealerships from Oklahoma to Texas.
He was American Motors’ number 2 dealer in the nation. He specialized in the Nash Rambler. His love for cars continued all his life and he was very proud of his classic car collection, which topped out at 205!
In the 60’s, Bill discovered another love: banking. After buying his first bank, he began opening additional locations which paved the way for what we know today as First Enterprise Bank.
Bill was extremely proud of the fact that his bank was one of the few “family owned banks”, where his customers could come in and talk to him in person. Until a few months ago, he never missed a day of work. During the past week while battling pneumonia, he would constantly mention that he needed to hurry up and get back to the office and “make some money”.
Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara Richardson, Children: David Richardson (deceased), Dennis Richardson and wife Allison, daughter Ann Harris and husband Bill, step-daughter Gina Cisco, Siblings: Nadine Seeds, Jerri Romig, Robert Richardson and wife Pat, Mary Gertrude Barber, Gene Richardson, Carol Vaghn and husband Allen, James Richardson, Grandchildren: Travis Harris (deceased), Nichole Harris, Mason Daniels Harris, Kailey Spencer, Tristan Hutchison, and Laila Cisco. Great grandchild Mason Spencer plus numerous nieces and nephews.
There was never a dull moment with Bill. His knowledge was vast and his word was gold. He enjoyed traveling all over the world, jewelry shopping in the Bahamas which always included a stop to eat conch fritters, and would often sing you a tune even if you didn’t ask for one! He loved spending time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he owns a beautiful marine property. He truly enjoyed all that life had to offer, he always stopped to smell the roses and offered a smile to everyone. He will be missed.
A funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper at 6600 Broadway Extension with interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City.