Dr. Esaias Steven "Steve" Richardson, DDS, PhD, 86, of Grenada, Mississippi, passed away on September 10, 2026. A devoted husband, father, healer, public servant, and lifelong learner, Dr. Richardson lived a life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people of his community.

Steve was born on July 5, 1940, in Merigold, Mississippi, to Elgin and Ouida Walker Richardson. He was raised on a family farm near Drew, where his father served as both farmer and minister in the Church of God. That upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of faith and purpose that carried him through more than eight decades of remarkable achievement.

A man of extraordinary intellect and drive, Dr. Richardson's educational journey was as diverse as it was distinguished. He graduated from Ruleville Public School in 1958 before earning his Associate Degree from Sunflower Junior College, where he was honored with a 4-H Club Scholarship, the Physics Achievement Award, and the Speech and Debate Award. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Mississippi State University, where he was recognized as one of the first students in the school's history to achieve a perfect score on the mathematics section of the SAT, and later a Master of Science in Engineering from Southern Illinois University, where he was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society and awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Traineeship.

Steve's early career reflected the ambition and precision of a true engineer. He worked on the Gemini Spacecraft and F-4 Aircraft programs for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to academia as an engineering instructor and university placement consultant at Southern Illinois University, where he spent years counseling and preparing students and alumni for careers in engineering, science, agriculture, and technical fields.

But it was a calling of a different kind that would define the majority of his life. In 1975, Steve earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Dental College, where he served as President of his class and received the Endodontic Achievement Award and Pediatric Dentistry Award. He would go on to earn a PhD in Higher Education and Community-Junior College Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1978. For nearly five decades, Dr. Richardson practiced dentistry in Grenada, Water Valley, and Bruce, Mississippi, caring for generations of families with skill and compassion. Even after overcoming a serious health battle with Hepatitis C, he returned to practice, requalifying for his license and continuing his life's work well into his eighties — most recently serving patients at Grenada Dental Clinic and providing dental care two days a week at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman.

Dr. Richardson's heart for service extended far beyond his dental chair. He was appointed to the Mississippi Medicaid Commission's Dental Technical Advisory Board, where he helped secure the first dental coverage allowing low-income patients to receive dentures. He served as a providing dentist for Project Headstart, advocated tirelessly for underprivileged children's access to proper dental care, and was proud to have helped end unethical bidding practices that once endangered vulnerable patients.

A natural leader, Steve served as a Grenada City Councilman from 2005 to 2008, was elected President of the North Central Mississippi Regional Planning and Development Agency, and served on the boards of Central Mississippi Incorporated and the Greater Grenada Economic Development Foundation. As a member of the Grenada Airport Commission, he helped secure over $13 million in combined federal, state, and city funding to upgrade the Grenada Airport — a legacy that continues to serve his community today.

Steve gave generously of his time through the Lions Club of Grenada, where he served as Past President and was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow, and through the Exchange Club of Grenada, where he was twice recognized with the "Proudly We Hail" award for his patriotic display of the American flag. He was a proud Mason, holding the 32nd degree in the York Rite and Scottish Rite, and a faithful member of Christ Community Church.

Following the tragic loss of his son, 2nd Lieutenant Winston Steven Richardson, U.S. Army, who was killed by a drunk driver in March 1985, Steve channeled his grief into a lifetime of advocacy through Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). He served as a County Chapter Coordinator, sat on the State Board and later as State Board Chairperson, and spoke as a VIP Speaker to churches, schools, law enforcement agencies, and civic groups across Mississippi. He helped fund the state's first MADD billboard warning of the dangers of drunk driving near North Mississippi casinos, represented Mississippi at the MADD national conference in Minneapolis, and was one of only thirteen volunteers nationwide honored with outstanding recognition by MADD at its national meeting in New Orleans. In 2004, he was honored as Keynote Speaker for the State of Mississippi's LEO Awards for DUI enforcement achievement. His advocacy stood as a lasting tribute to his son's memory and a gift of protection to countless families who would never know the pain he carried.

Steve also proudly served his community as a Grenada County Reserve Deputy Sheriff, graduating from the Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Academy in 2004, and held a private pilot and glider pilot license. Known for his gift of communication, he completed Dale Carnegie Training and was recognized as a "Breakthrough Speaker" for a speech delivered with heartfelt emotion.

Above all, Steve was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Edna Coleman Richardson; his daughter, Jenny Lee, RN, and her husband, Dr. Todd Lee; step-children, Tammy Grant(Malcom) and Tim McDaniel(Sharon); sisters, Jeanette Golliher of Energy, IL and Miriam Guthrie of Marshall, AR; grandchildren, Kaitlin Pittman(John), Winston Lee(Alex), Peyton Gray(Jack), Lindsey Greer(Nathan), Laura Beth Harrell(Hunter) and Logan McDaniel(Brooke); and 12 great-grandchildren who brought him great joy. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, 2nd Lieutenant Winston Steven Richardson; two brothers, Travis and Phillip Richardson and a granddaughter, Misty Montgomery. Steve was also a devoted animal lover, sharing his home with two rescued dogs and two rescued cats.

A graveside service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, September 14, 2026 at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada with Rev. John Goldwater officiating and Mr. Warren Cox delivering the eulogy.

Dr. Richardson lived a life of purpose in every sense — as an engineer who helped reach for the stars, a dentist who healed with gentle hands, a public servant who built bridges for his community, and an advocate whose grief became a shield for others. Non-drinker, non-smoker, and drug-free his entire life, he stood as a living example of the values he spent his life defending.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his generous heart, his tireless service, and the countless lives he touched in Grenada and beyond.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is honored to serve the Richardson family.