Alvin Richardson

Dewey Alvin Richardson went to his heavenly home on February 6, 2022. He was born on July 24, 1954 to Dewey and Ila Richardson. The eldest of three boys, most of his growing up years were spent in Rutledge, Georgia. As a kid, Alvin had no lack of adventures. Though sometimes embellished in his articles for the local newspaper, each one contained a truth that was relatable and often humorous to those who read his work regularly.

Alvin was a proud graduate of Morgan County High School’s Class of 1972. He attended Georgia College where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Alvin completed his undergraduate work in 1977 receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/Education. His lifelong dream was to be an educator and coach. He later returned to Georgia College to complete an Education Specialist degree.

After undergrad, he was offered a job at Cook High School in Adel, Georgia where he taught Social Studies, was an assistant coach for the football and boys basketball teams, later becoming the head coach of the boys basketball and golf teams. 

While living in Adel, he met his future wife, Laura Whidby and they were married in 1981.

Alvin accepted a teaching position in 1979 at Lincoln County High School and became the head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach. While there, he also coached golf and baseball. After eight years in Lincolnton, Georgia, Alvin returned to his high school alma mater serving as an educator, athletic director, head football coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal of the Crossroads School throughout his decades-long career for his beloved Morgan County Bulldogs.

Alvin was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and was blessed to be the recipient of his mother’s kidney in 1992 that saw him through the next five years. In 1997, he received another successful transplant from dear friend, Ann Ross, whose kidney was life giving for more than 25 years.

After retiring in 2013, Alvin stayed busy with a myriad of activities that he enjoyed, including golfing, fishing, writing, and traveling. Through the years, he was an avid fan of all sports and particularly loved high school athletics, the University of Georgia, and the Atlanta Braves. In addition to being a long-time contributor of sports reporting and humor columns to many state and local publications, he authored seven books of non-fiction highlighting the history of Georgia high school football programs, five of which are published, including Morgan County’s titled, It’s a Dawgs Life.

A pillar of the community, his life’s work was investing in people. Alvin was the most special husband, father, and grandfather – putting his family above all else and enjoyed every moment spent with them. A friend to all, he never met a stranger. He will be loved, remembered, and missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Ila Richardson and brother, Robert Alan Richardson. He is survived by his wife, Laura Richardson, daughters, Lindsey Richardson and Lucy Brown, son-in-law, Thomas Brown, grandchildren, Hazel Brown and Walter Brown, his youngest brother, Terry Richardson, and by anyone who ever had the opportunity to call him “Coach.”

The family received visitors on February 9 at A.E. Carter Funeral Home and honored his life with a service at Madison Baptist Church on February 10. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Georgia Health Sciences Foundation for:

Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Patient Assistance Fund or to Dr. Mulloy’s Transplantation Research Fund. 

For either fund, checks should be made out to Georgia Health Sciences Foundation and mailed to the following address:

Augusta University

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

1120 15th Street, AD-1104

Augusta, Georgia 30912

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