OBITUARY DR. J. CLAYTON RICHARDSONNOVEMBER 1, 1920 - JanUARY 17, 2009 FAIR PLAY, SC ' Dr. J. Clayton Richardson, age 88, formerly of Belton, SC passed away on January 17, 2009, at the AnMed Health Medical Center. Born in Oconee County, SC on November 1, 1920, he was a son of the late Edgar Newton Richardson and Lula Mae Meredith Richardson. He was a seaman First Class in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving active duty from January 19th, 1943 until April 6, 1946 (World War II), and a 1950 graduate of the Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Richardson's Optometric Practice began in 1951 in Anderson and later in Belton in 1953. Prior to his retirement in 2006, he had also practiced in Anderson and Seneca. His career as an optometrist was his passion. He loved his patients and the ability to improve their quality of life through better vision. From the first years in Anderson above Dickson's Ice Cream Parlor to the final years serving patients in Seneca, Anderson, and Belton, 'Doc's' career spanned fifty-five years and it was with much reservation that he retired in 2006 at the age of 86. Throughout his career, he worked closely with area Lions Clubs to provide visual care for the less fortunate. He was also active within the Belton Lions Club, Elks Club of Anderson, the KP's of Anderson, and was a member of the Hejaz Shrine. In 1989, he received the Salem Lions Club Citizen of the Year award, in 1990 he received the Seneca Lions Club Citizen of the Year award, and in 1998 he received another award from the Seneca Lions Club thanking him for his assistance with sight conservation programs. He served over ten years on the Board of Trustees for Anderson School District No. 2 ' having also served as Chairman. He was a member of IPTAY for over forty years, and loved watching the Tigers play football and basketball. While a longtime resident of Belton, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Belton and later moved his membership to Beaverdam Baptist Church in Fair Play. Above all, he was recently asked what he was most proud of, and his reply, 'My family'. Survivors include his wife, Anna Rush Richardson, of the home; his children: Dr. M. Elaine Richardson and spouse, Roy Martin of Clemson, and their son, Adam R. Martin; Carol R. McDowell and husband, Glen McDowell of Virginia Beach, VA and their children: Linda M. Beckman and husband, Morgan, and Jason McDowell and wife, Jennifer; Dr. C. Eric Richardson and wife, Debbie H. Richardson of Anderson, and their son, Robert E. Richardson; Susan R. Carland and husband, Doug Carland, of Greenville and Susan's daughter, Kristen A. Hughes; Victoria Richardson and children, Clay Culbreath, Clint Culbreath, and Kate Culbreath; grandson, John E. Richardson, Jr. of Oakway; Janis R. Hall, Esq., and husband, Cleve Hall, of Greenville; sister, Lessie Mae R. Whitfield and husband, Walter Whitfield, of Fair Play; great grandchildren: Xander & Harrison Beckman, and Ian & Alyssa McDowell; and half uncle, Don Henry Richardson of Fair Play.In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, John Edgar Richardson, Sr., two brothers, John O. Richardson and W. Dewitt Richardson. The Funeral Service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at Beaverdam Baptist Church, Fair Play. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6pm until 8pm on Monday, January 19, 2009, at The McDougald Funeral Home, Anderson, and they will also receive friends immediately following the burial on Tuesday in the church. The family suggests that memorials be made to Beaverdam Baptist Church, 328 Beaverdam Church Road, Fair Play, SC 29643 or to the Belton Lions Club, P. O. Box 424, Belton, SC 29627. An online message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com; any other condolences may be sent to the family at Post Office Box 400, Belton, South Carolina 29627. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME, Anderson, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.