Horry County man volunteers with Grand Strand Miracle League ‘to see people happy’

Billy Richardson struggled raising three kids — one with special needs — mostly by himself for the last 15 years.

But it’s hard to tell the struggle through the man’s smile as children rush to hug the Horry County Schools custodian they call “Mr. Billy” or “Coach.” The 55-year-old shrugs off the challenges he faced when the mother of the children left, and he points to his son, BJ, as his inspiration to boldly do for others.

“My son had inspired me because I had so many challenges with him,” Richardson said. “I went through a lot with him. I took it all in and a lot of people don’t understand how I did it by myself for a while. It was a big struggle for a long, long time. I went through a lot of challenges with them.”

Jennifer Averette, executive director with Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, said Richardson does a lot for the organization’s baseball league.

“Billy is the most selfless volunteer we have for our organization,” Averette said.

For the past 10 years, Richardson steps in wherever he is needed for the special needs sports leagues, Averette said. Last season, Richardson coached a baseball team and stepped in to fill the announcer role when needed.

“He makes every special needs player feel special as they step up to the plate, hit the ball, and run to home plate,” Averette said.

But the sweet spot to Richardson’s service comes once a year when he prepares a meal in his home for 250 of the league’s players, their families and volunteers at no cost to them.

“If I cook, I like to see that everybody’s had enough and they enjoyed themselves,” Richardson said. “That’s my fulfillment with that. I just enjoy doing that.”

He also makes sure all volunteers are safe and get the help they need, Averette said.

“Billy is always the last one to stay and help load cars, take out trash and makes sure that the two female staff are not at the field alone while locking up after a game,” Averette said. “We never have to ask. Billy is always willing to help with a smile, and never complains... he is the most peaceful, content and giving spirit.”

Richardson also goes once a week to a thrift bakery to pick up bread and bakery items and keeps them in his truck to give to whoever needs it that week.

BJ is no longer a player in the local baseball league. Richardson made the tough decision to place BJ in a group facility in Florence, but Richardson still shows up to every baseball game to help others.

“Just the way that he helps without ever being asked to help,” Averette said. “And he does it with a happy heart.”

Richardson said seeing the joy in others is all the payment he needs.

“It just makes me feel good to see someone in need get something,” Richardson said. “There are times I’d rather see them get it before I get it. And I like to see people happy. It makes me feel good when people are happy.”

This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Horry County man volunteers with Grand Strand Miracle League ‘to see people happy’."