At its recent community banquet, supporters, volunteers, and staff for First Tee – The Lowcountry gathered at Sea Pines Country Club to recognize members of our community who reflect the organization’s core values. Representing honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment, this cross-section of the community was granted an award based on the core value they best represented.
Honored for his confidence, JR Richardson accepted the award with humble enthusiasm and appreciation for everything First Tee – The Lowcountry does.
“This is a tremendous organization that is out there in schools and on the course changing young lives,” Richardson said. “And it’s easy to see the confidence they instill in their students through their guidance and their dedication. I’m honored to represent such an important aspect of what First Tee brings to our area’s young people.”
The Richardson Family, 1955
Richardson exemplifies a confidence that has been earned through years of service. In introducing the celebrated developer, philanthropist and community leader, First Tee of the Lowcountry wrote: “As one of Hilton Head Island’s most esteemed developers, JR Richardson has played a transformative role in shaping the community. His contributions include landmark projects such as the expansion of Coligny, the creation of Windmill Harbour and the South Carolina Yacht Club, and more than 20 years of service as chairman of the Sea Pines Architectural Review Board.”
The Richardson Family
But that just scratches the surface of what Richardson has done for Hilton Head Island. Brought here by his parents, Norris and Lois Richardson, Coligny’s founders, he has had the unique perspective of not only witnessing the island’s modern age but also playing an active role in shaping it. Working hand-in-hand with his wife, Leslie, the couple have elevated the island through a wealth of philanthropic pursuits while raising three children in our community – James (Amanda), Collins (Morgan), and Forest (Andrew) – as well as one grandchild, James Norris Richardson IV. At 80 years old, Richardson still pursues his role in our community with vigor, overseeing five different projects while advancing the community’s conversation around obtainable housing and hunger relief.
As was said during the award ceremony, “His legacy is reflected not only in the built environment but in the many lives he has touched through his dedication and generosity. JR Richardson is a pillar of the Hilton Head community – a leader whose work reminds us of the lasting value of community-driven development and care for others.”
