Mr. Odis Backmon Richardson

Odis Backmon Richardson was born in Columbia, South Carolina on September 10, 1929. Odis was the fifth of nine children born to the late Clarence and Aggie Harris Richardson. At an early age he attended Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a Junior Usher. He was educated in the Richland County School District, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in the class of 1948. He attended Benedict College before being drafted in the United States Army. Odis served in the Korean War, in which he earned a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged. He graduated from South Carolina State College (which is now South Carolina State University) with a degree in Industrial Arts. After graduation, he moved to New York City and was employed by Rosen and Sons Construction Company as a brick mason, and was later promoted to a layout foreman. For forty years, Odis owned and operated a successful business in Harlem, New York -- D & O Professional Dry Cleaners around the corner from the Apollo Theater. Many of his clients were performers at the Apollo Theatre. Odis married the love of his life, the former Delores Elaine James on June 16, 1959 at Zion Baptist Church. The couple resided in New York City for over forty years. This loving union produced two children, D’Jaris Michelle and Odis, Jr. Odis was a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church, New York City. He was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, inducted in Beta Delta Chapter, 1956. Odis was an active member of the Neighborhood Cleaners Association of New York City. He enjoyed reading about current events, the theater and traveling with his family. Prior to relocating, he purchased the Greenview Plaza in his native home of Columbia, S.C. In 2005, he and Delores officially moved where he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was creative and extended his masonry skills to many projects in the industrial arts for friends and family. Odis was predeceased by one brother, Clarence Richardson, Jr; two sisters, Alberta Marsh and Naomi Mayers. He leaves to cherish precious memories, his loving wife of 55 years Delores, of the home, daughter, D’Jaris Richardson of Cleveland, Ohio, son, Odis Richardson, Jr. "Richie" of Atlanta, GA; four sisters, Eula Wilson, Elizabeth Rutherford, Verdell Reese, all of Philadelphia, PA, Rhudine (Levi) Wilson of Oxen Hill, Maryland; one brother, Quincy (Linda) Richardson of Columbia, South Carolina; two brothers-in-law, William James, Marshall (Gloria) James, one sister-in-law, Ruth James, all of Columbia, South Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held 12 Noon Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Zion Baptist Church 801 Washington Street, with interment to follow in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8:00 pm Monday, Juny 30, 2014 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. The family request that memorials and condolences be made on their web page @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

Mr. Odis Backmon Richardson

September 10, 1929 - June 26, 2014