Christopher Stout Richardson

Christopher Stout Richardson Obituary

It is with great sadness the family of Christopher Stout Richardson, 39, of Lilburn, GA  announce his sudden and unexpected death on July 16, 2023. A devoted husband and father, he leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara (Bankhead) and their three small children, Hank (8), Archie (5), and Olive (18 mo.). Born on February 13, 1984, he is fondly remembered by his parents Jack and Cheryl Richardson of Newnan, GA and adoring siblings Alex (and Finley) Richardson of Lunenburg, MA and Catherine (and Joe) Klingbeil of Rydal, GA.

He is survived by his maternal grandfather, Roger Schroer of Sydney, OH; and his paternal grandparents, Gen. William R. Richardson (RET) and Mary Richardson of McLean, VA. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Freda Schroer of Sydney, OH.

Chris attended The Heritage School (class of 2003), Newnan, GA then went on to earn a BA in Studio Art at Presbyterian College (class of 2007), Clinton, SC. Following college, he was employed for 10 years by Whole Foods Market as a Grocery Manager and for the last six years at Dirty Hands, LLC, a merchandising company, as a Field Director.

Chris’s dedication and love for his family was beyond measure. He met his loving wife, Barbara at Presbyterian College, married now for 10 beautiful years. Chris and Barbara loved a fun outing together and amongst their siblings and close friends, but also found the purest joy in their daily life at home. Music booming in the background, an adventurous meal on the stove and enjoying the outdoors were a few of many aspects of their life together. Not a day went by between them without jokes, silliness and profound love.

Chris was passionate about being involved in his children’s daily lives and activities. He and his boys loved to get their hands dirty. Whether working through and tinkering with the many projects and creations in their dad’s workshop, playing ball in the front yard, or camping and fishing. Olive was the apple of his eye. He was melted by her smiles and giggles. Chris got down on the floor and played with his children. They wrestled, danced and “rocked out.” Fits of laughter and shrieking were a constant rhythm in his home. His love for his family held no bounds.

Chris had a very charismatic and witty personality which easily developed into loving and enduring friendships. One colleague described Chris as “gift of a lifetime”, another stating “it feels like the universe made a mistake. He was one of the good ones who was unapologetically himself, a wild man with a heart of gold, and the only person who could have tamed the South.” Many friends remember “his passion, his humor, his ability to be humble and kind.” Chris's untimely departure has forever left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. His infectious positivity, humor, and creativity will forever continue to impact his family, friends, and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 27th at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, GA. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed on the church’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchpea5985

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Richardson Trust Fund that has been set up for Hank, Archie, and Olive. Donations may be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, with “Richardson Trust” in the memo line, or online at https://tinyurl.com/27d395jn with “Richardson Trust” in the Note box.