Perley Richardson Obituary

Perley Albert Richardson, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025. A devout Christian, loving husband, honorable soldier, successful businessman, world traveler, and a dedicated leader in the community, Perley's 96 years were full of life and love for his family and for those around him. He never met someone who wasn't his friend. In his wake is a family that misses him dearly. In his passing, he leaves this world a better place.
Perley was originally from Connecticut. He was born in December of 1928. Growing up during the Great Depression, Perley learned the value of hard work from an early age, working on the farm and as a short-order cook at one of his father's diners in the greater Boston area. After graduating high school, Perley attended Boston College, where he earned a degree in Airport Management. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served two years with the Corps of Engineers, where he participated in the rebuilding of post-World War II Europe.
After leaving the service in 1952, he "wanted to get away from the cold," so he accepted a position at the Miami Airport and would remain a Florida resident for the rest of his life. From 1953 until 1985, Perley lived in Miami. While in Miami, he was not idle. He joined the Rotary Club of Miami in 1970, serving as Club President from 1983 to 1984. He became a life member of the Orange Bowl Parade and Half-Time Show Committee, where he met many celebrities such as Ed McMahon, Burt Reynolds, and Joe DiMaggio. Miami was also where he started his first business, Medical Service Bureau, an answering service for physicians. Miami is also where he met the love of his life, Jean Votava. From that meeting, their love instantly sparked.
They married in 1985 and were nearly inseparable for 37 years until Jean passed away in May of 2022. During their years together, they moved to Lake City, Florida, where they successfully ran another answering service, Intella Communications. They sold Intella in 1997 to retire. During retirement, Perley and Jean traveled the world. Visiting over 15 countries, they went on many adventures, such as climbing the pyramids in Mexico and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland.
In retirement, Perley remained active in his community. As a member of St. James Episcopal Church, he volunteered his time and talents. He served on the Vestibule Board and was a Junior Warden in charge of facilities. Many members of the congregation fondly remember his service as a key volunteer for the church's renowned yard sales.
In Rotary, Perley held a long and distinguished tenure. He was a Rotarian for 53 years, earning recognition for 40 years of perfect attendance. He served as Rotary District Governor for District 6940, was a Rotary Ambassador who led a team to Australia, and received many awards, including the Rotary International President's Award. He was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
Beyond Rotary, Perley gave generously to the broader community. He donated over 10 gallons of blood and was involved in many organizations, including Florida Crown, the Columbia County Animal Shelter, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Association for the Blind, and many others.
Perley is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean; his mother, Elva; father, Delmar; brothers, Rusty and Ronald; and sisters, Lynn and Laverne. He is survived by his brother Don; daughters Bonni and Jamie; grandchildren Hil, Wesley, Ron, and Brandon; and great-grandchildren Jaxon, Emilie, Cayden, and Elayna.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 7, 2025, at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 2423 SW Bascom Norris Dr, Lake City, FL 32025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Perley's name to The Rotary International Foundation, the Lake City Humane Society, or St. James Episcopal Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.