Larry Melton Richardson, Sr., age 63, of Shallotte and formerly of Burgaw died Friday, January 9, 2009 at his residence.

He was born August 28, 1945 in Pender County and was the son of Doris Casteen Richardson of Wilmington and the late John Thomas Richardson. He was predeceased by his sisters, Judith Marie Rogers and Eva Kathleen Outlaw.

Mr. Richardson served his country honorably in the US Navy during the Vietnam Era. He began his career with the NC State Highway Patrol as a State Trooper and served in Cumberland, Wilson, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Pit and Martin Counties until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the Wilson Masonic Lodge No. 712 A.F. & A.M.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his son, Larry Melton Richardson, Jr. and wife, Terri of Atkinson; grandson, John Thomas Richardson; brother, Harrell Richardson and wife, Cathy, of Holly Hill, SC; sisters, Linda Richardson Brock and husband, Buddy, of Wallace, Carol Lane Richardson Malaschak and husband, Anthony, of Wilmington and Debbie Richardson Swartz and husband, Louis, of Wilmington and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Leo Bracken officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha with NC State Highway Patrol Honors and Masonic Rites accorded by Wallace Lodge No. 595 A.F. & A.M.

Casketbearers will be NC State Highway Patrol Troopers.

The family will receive friends 7:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday evening at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace and other times at the home of Linda and Buddy Brock.

Memorial gifts may be given to Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

Condolences may be sent to the Richardson family below.