May Bell Richardson
May Bell Richardson, 77, of Paris, Kentucky, passed away on May 4, 2026. She was born on May 14, 1948, in Marlinton, West Virginia, and lived a life marked by kindness, thoughtfulness, and devotion to her family.
May Bell retired from Brown and Williams Tobacco Company after years of dedicated work, and she carried the same steady spirit into every part of her life. Those who knew her will remember her as a gentle and caring presence, someone who offered warmth, encouragement, and a listening ear to those around her.
She found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the routines that brought her comfort. She enjoyed playing Bingo and trying her luck with the lottery. She also liked watching Family Feud and The Price is Right, and these familiar favorites brought her many moments of enjoyment and relaxation. Her interests reflected her easygoing nature and her appreciation for the small things that made life pleasant.
May Bell is survived by her two children, Buel C. Richardson, Jr. and Shannon Fugate. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Brittany Richardson, Angel Richardson, Zachary Richardson, Emily Fugate, and Riley House, as well as eight great-grandchildren, Dylan McGuire, Zayden Olding, Braylin Olding, Coltan Johnson, Jr., Kingston Shaw, Waylon Shaw, Cason Johnson, and Addilynn Shaw. She is also survived by her two sisters, Peggy McMillion and Bonnie Marshall; her brother, Owen Gragg; her special friends, Lisa Johnson and Helen Hatton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellet Gragg and Edna McLaughlin Gragg; her daughter, Kimberly Dawn Gragg; her two brothers, James and Charles Gragg; her spouse, Billy Rison; her son-in-law, Melvin “Scotty” Fugate; her daughter-in-law, Robyn J. Coyle; and her granddaughter-in-law, Cherokie Ritchie. Their memories remained a part of her life and the family history she helped shape.
May Bell Richardson will be remembered with love for the kindness she showed, the family she cherished, and the quiet strength she carried throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. Burial to follow in the Gray Cemetery, Ravenna, KY.
Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Friday May 8, 2026, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Brittany Richardson, Angel Richardson, Zachary Richardson, Emily Fugate, Riley House, Billy Richardson and Donnie Sparks. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Richardson, Gilbert Richardson, Ivan Shaw and David Stidham.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main Street, Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.
