John Richard Colson, 73, passed away at his home on Thursday evening after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. John (Richard as referred to by his family) was born in Tuscaloosa, AL and later grew up in Nashville, TN. He is a graduate of the Tennessee Technological University with a degree in mathematics. After a short stint in Birmingham, he moved to the Huntsville, Alabama area where he lived with his wife Pat on their small farm near New Market since 1968. John was a part of the early space program working for Chrysler Corp and later Boeing. He then went to work for M&S Computing which later became Intergraph Corporation retiring with 33 years of service in 2005. He loved aviation, obtaining his pilot's license, raising cattle on his farm as a hobby, volunteering in the community, and spending time with his grandchildren. He and his wife Pat are members of Locust Grove Baptist Church in New Market where they have many close friends.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Pat Colson, son John Colson (and Tammy) of Colorado Springs, son Bill Colson (and Lisette) of Madison, grandchildren Katie Colson, Ryan Colson, and Jacob Colson, sister Dot Griggs (and James) of Nashville, niece Sherri Griggs Schmidt (and Greg), and nephew Mark Griggs. Richard will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice Family Care, Huntsville Hospital, and especially Dr. Marshall Schreeder and all the team at CCI for the care provided to Mr. Colson during his illness.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Berryhill funeral home on Sun. 16 Nov. and the funeral will be at Locust Grove Baptist Church on Mon. 17 Nov. at 2:00 pm, with the visitation beginning at 1:00. Burial will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery. Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.