‘It’s hard to believe’: Family remembers 90-year-old man who died in Henrico house fire

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A beloved great-grandfather, described by his family as "intelligent" and "a great role model," has been named as the victim of a fatal house fire in Henrico County early Thursday morning. According to Henrico Fire officials, 90-year-old Raymond Richardson died at the VCU hospital in Richmond after being treated for smoke inhalation. William Richardson holding a picture of his late father, Raymond Richardson. (Photo: Madison Moore/8News) Henrico fire rescue crews pulled Richardson out of his home, located in the 1700 block of Shewalt Drive near Hungary Road, at 2:47 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. The blaze, believed to be accidental, started in the kitchen. "He was found by the door, because he was trying to get out," said Kevin Richardson, one of Raymond Richardson's 12 grandchildren. "He was a very great role model to most." Raymond Richardson left behind four children and 20 combined grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family described him as a funny, kind and generous man who would give a stranger the clothes off his back. "It's hard to believe," said his son, William Richardson. "If there was an opportunity, he made sure we took it." The home on Shewalt Drive served as a gathering place for the family on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. ‘We are the 17th Street Market’: How three siblings maintain a historic Richmond farmer’s market "A lot of memories in here -- too many," said Joseph Scott, Richardson's nephew. "He carved a turkey every year. Every, every year." Henrico Fire extends its condolences to the family and Raymond Richardson's loved ones. The Fire Marshals Office continues to investigate.