Lynda Jean (Smith) Richardson, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, 71, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on June 27, 2026 at Langdale Hospice House. She was born September 7, 1954 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Robert C. Smith and the late Betty J. Smith. Lynda graduated from Valdosta High School in 1972, where she was a clarinet player and section leader in the Valdosta High School Marchin’ Cats. Lynda went on to graduate from Valdosta State University in 1976, where she majored in criminal justice and where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity. After graduating from college, Lynda moved to New Orleans and worked as a criminal investigator for U.S. Customs for a few years. Desiring to have more fun, Lynda joined the Air Force in 1979, where she served our country for 21 years and retired at the rank of Lt Col. Her military career specialty was Intelligence.

While in the Air Force, she traveled to many places around the world, experienced different cultures and did challenging things like parachuting out of airplanes, leading men in battle zones, and briefing the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. She moved a lot, including Colorado, Virginia, Texas, Alabama, England, South Korea and additionally, deployed to Bosnia, Croatia, Italy and more. Lynda said it was the right career for her, and she learned a lot and enjoyed the social life and camaraderie. She was a Distinguished Graduate of Air Force Officer Training School and Distinguished Graduate from Air Command & Staff College. She also earned a Master’s Degree in human resources management, at the University of Texas, San Antonio.

Lynda was a strong Christian and a life-long Methodist. She was an active member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, where she was confirmed and received into membership in 1968. Lynda was also a member of the “Jars of Clay” adult Sunday school class, and when living in Texas, she was active in the Walk to Emmaus ministry. Lynda served on many Walk weekends, and she also served as Lay Director for Women’s Walk to Emmaus #1628, in 2011.

Lynda very much enjoyed retirement, time and lunches with her friends, YMCA exercise classes, and time in service to others through therapy-dog ministry. Lynda and her dogs visited nursing homes to share hugs, smiles and God’s love with others. Lynda’s Christian faith was very important to her and “passing it on” was at the center of her life.

Lynda is survived by her sister Vertyce Brown, of Valdosta; by twin-sister Lydia Glisan, of Wimberley, Texas; by nieces Shelly Ragan, Kristy Rodriguez, Haley Key, Anne Plemons; and by nephew Lee Glisan. Lynda was preceded in death by her father Robert C. Smith, her mother Betty J. Smith, and her brother Robert (Bobby) Smith, Jr.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 2 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend John Chick officiating. Visitation will take place the evening prior at the funeral home from 6 – 8 p.m. Burial will take place at Sunset Hill Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to honor Lynda’s wishes for donations to BARC Humane Society. Condolences can be made to the family at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane.