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Videos by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick. Check out our exclusive video coverage of Saturday's Run for the Fallen 5k walk/run in New Smyrna Beach and our tribute photo video to Buddy Richardson, who died Monday at the age of 81, who was a key part of the initial run two years ago.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Danielle Oldham was relishing in the success of her weekend "Run for the Fallen" 5k walk/run when she learned of Monday's passing of a veteran who had been a key part of her initial campaign two years ago: "R.I.P. Buddy Richardson. You were a great man to our community and a brave man for serving our country. You will be missed."
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Photos by Sera Frederick
Buddy Richardson is dapper in his military dress at the recent NSB Veterans Family Parade.
Oldham wrote the message on her Facebook page in honor of Richardson, who passed away at the age of 81.
The veteran was well known throughout greater New Smyrna Beach, especially over the last decade, for his mobile verans museum that resembled the caboose of a train, filled with rare war photos, flags and other memorabilia that he had collercted over the years.
For Oldham, Richardson's death made Saturday's effort that much more special and meaningful in hindsight after learning he died.
"My run was missing one important thing and that was Buddy Richardson," she said Wednesday. "He did a very heroic thing for me for my run in 2008 with his caboose being there and his flags set-up. Unfortunately, he wasnt able to make it to the run to do the same this year and i found out a few days ago he had passed away so i just want to tell Buddy's family thank you for letting me have the opportunity to meet him and hear different stories of the military he shared."
Oldham said the feeling of the "community coming together for our soldiers was a great," with 72 participants, ranging from 7 to 70s. The run -- which started at Riverside Park and headed over the South Causeway to Peninsula Drive on the Beachside and back over the North Causeway -- raised $367 for the Wounded Warrior project. Students from New Smyrna Beach High School's HOSA helped out by manning four water stations along the route.
With many of the participants veterans or family members of soldiers in harms way abroad, Oldham was overwhelmed by the participation: "I am proud to say i live in new smyrna beach."
Oldham hasn't set a date for her next run, but no doubt, the memory of Richardson's contributions will be a part of it, she said.
Boyd "Buddy" Richardson of New Smyrna Beach, was born on Aug. 29, 1929. Richardson served in three branches of the military during three major wars: the Army during World War II, in the Marines during the Korean War, and in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
Richardson is survived by two sons in Virginia, six children and five grandchildren.
EDITOR"S NOTE:
Buddy Richardson's last public appearance was at last month's New Smyrna Beach Veteran's Family Parade sponsored by VFW Post 4250, for which he provided 1,000 flags for display. Here is our exclusive video coverage of that, featuring Richardson in full military dress.
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