David Lee Richardson, M.D., of Lumberton, NC, passed away after an extended illness Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at home surrounded by family.

He was born August 19, 1947 in Charlotte, NC to the late Dr. James J. Richardson and Mrs. Phoebe Richardson of Laurinburg, NC.

David graduated from Laurinburg High School and earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina ?? Chapel Hill. He graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and was selected by then Chairman of Medicine, Dr. Eugene Stead, to perform post graduate research in immunology in Edinburg, Scotland. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Duke Medical Center. Dr. Richardson??s long standing bond with Duke Medical Center helped bridge the close relationship that SRMC and Duke share today.

Dr. Richardson entered into private practice in 1978 with Lumberton Medical Clinic. His continued affiliation and involvement with Duke Medical allowed him to introduce medical advancements to the community. Dr. Richardson??s personal dedication to his profession was unlimited, spending days and nights perfecting care for his patients. He considered himself ??the luckiest man alive? to be able to do what he loved, in a community he loved. Each patient was more than a patient, each one was a friend.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching the love of nature not only to his children but to neighboring children as well. Ocean Isle Beach was his second home, a place that he truly loved and was able to enjoy not only his hobbies but friends and family there as well.

He was an involved, loving father, husband and son. His strong faith was an essential part of his life. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Robeson County Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society, Roland Gun Club and Roundtree Hunt Club. He served for many years as the physician for Lumberton Senior High Football team, initiating free physicals for the team members. He was committed to Child Care International Fund for Children. His other charitable works were many and varied, done quietly without recognition for himself.

David??s spirit of love, laughter, adventure and enjoyment of life will live on far past his time on earth and through his journey into Heaven. He will be remembered and sorely missed by many.

David is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Richardson of Lumberton, NC; mother, Mrs. Phoebe Richardson of Laurinburg, NC; son, Lee Richardson of White Lake, NC; daughter and son-in law, Audren and Shane Ford of Leland, NC; step-son and daughter in-law, Christopher and Ashley Brisson of Dublin, NC; three grandchildren, Lena and Logan Ford and Dylan Brisson; several nieces and nephews; and devoted caregivers, Linda Fisher, Pat Floyd and Judith Stacy.

Dr. Richardson was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James J Richardson; his brother, Jim Richardson; his sister, Phoebe Fitzner; and nephew, Chase Fitzner.

The family will be receiving friends at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 East 5th Street, Lumberton on Friday, August 31 from 6:00-8:00pm.

The funeral will be held Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, burial to follow service at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton, NC.