David Richardson Obituary

Dr. David Warren Richardson, DDS, at age 72, entered eternal rest on June 23, 2025, in Charleston, SC. He was born in Lynwood, CA, on April 1, 1953, to Billie Danean and Lawrence Warren Richardson. He grew up in East LA, Pico Rivera, CA, where he attended and graduated from El Rancho High School. Dr. Richardson is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Sharon Cavanaugh Richardson; sons, Conor Edward (Kristen Marie) and John Colin Richardson; and grandchildren, Augustus Edward, Amelia Mary, and Clementine Marie. He also leaves especially close nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and their families. Dr. Richardson is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Warren Richardson and Billie Danean Gold, sisters Georgia Lynn McCurley (Brian) and Robin Terese Strom (Rick), and brother Timothy A. Gold. David graduated from the University of California San Diego, Revelle College (1977), attended and graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry, DDS (1982), and completed a Prosthodontic residency at the Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry (1985), Augusta, GA. On completion of his residency, he was asked to join the faculty of the Department of Prosthodontics at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and was on faculty until 1993. The family relocated to Charleston, SC, where Dr. Richardson joined the faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine and later the Ralph H. Johnson VA dental services. Afterward, he began his lifelong career passion of treating patients who needed prosthetic dental treatment in a private practice setting. He enjoyed collaborating and coordinating optimal care with numerous dental colleagues. Dr. Richardson was in private practice as a Prosthodontist for over 20 years in Charleston, SC. He was active in the Charleston Dental Society and served as the President from 2004 to 2005. Family was important to him. Dr. Richardson was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed sharing outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, surfing, welding, playing with his dogs, and riding his mules and horses with his sons, grandchildren, and friends. He was always eager to share what he knew, and his welcoming manner and enthusiasm would encourage others to join in. Dr. Richardson was also devoted to the Melkite Byzantine Catholic church. He was ordained as a Deacon for the Diocese of Newton, MA, at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Augusta, GA, in 1990 and served for Fr. Daniel Munn. While in Charleston, SC, he served as Deacon for Fr. James Parker at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Johns Island. David was also a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Dr. Richardson's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Rd, Charleston. A reception will be held at the Nativity Parish Life Center, immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, The Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration, or to The Bluefield Project. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365 If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to deliver Home Arrangements Only to Nativity Parish Life Center between 10AM and 11AM, Saturday, August 2nd.