Funeral arrangements for Willie Richardson announced

Jackson State announced the funeral arrangements for legendary receiver Willie Richardson, who died of natural causes at age 76 on Monday afternoon, on Tuesday.

Richardson's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson. The legendary receiver was a pioneer at Jackson State and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Jackson State icon Willie Richardson dies

He paved the way for many Tigers after him to reach the NFL. Richardson was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the seventh round of the 1963 NFL draft and played nine professional seasons, mostly for the Colts.

In '67, Richardson was first-team All-Pro. He was inducted into the Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame in '78 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in '79.

Condolences can go to: Mrs. Earline Richardson, 5928 Waverly Dr., Jackson, MS 39206-2503.

Contact Antonio Morales at amorales2@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @AntonioCMorales on Twitter.