Dr. Richard Gadson was born on October 23, 1953, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was born to Marion Gadson and Richardine Gadson who both preceded him in death.  He spent the early years of his life playing with family and friends. During his middle school years, Richard enjoyed playing basketball and football. Once he started high school, academics became more of a priority, and he enjoyed reading and studying.

After high school, Richard pursued higher education and chose Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. While at Benedict College he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and maintained the highest GPA in his major of Chemistry. Upon graduation, he attended the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, and was the youngest African American male to complete dental school. Having a heart for service, Richard chose to serve as a member of The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Upon completion of his service time, Richard served his community of Shaker Heights, Ohio where he opened his private practice and earned numerous awards.  Richard Gadson, DMD is among a very small group of companies that have won the Best of Shaker Heights Award for eleven consecutive years. This distinction has qualified Richard Gadson, DMD for the 2022 Shaker Heights Business Hall of Fame.  

On December 11, 2014, Richard married Barbara Short-Washington of Twinsburg, Ohio, where they became covenant partners, and blended their families.  Richard and Barbara enjoyed traveling out of the country to different cities.  Supporting their children and grandchildren by attending and supporting their various athletics events, baseball, football, basketball, and cross country.  Richard and Barbara enjoyed spending quality time with their children and grandchildren at dinner and attending the worship service at The Word Church where they were members.  Richard instilled a variety of spiritual, educational, and community values in his children and grandchild that allowed them to mature, grow, and become successful standing members of the community.

On July 18, 2022, Richard transitioned to be one of God’s angels. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Barbara Gadson; his children; Reginald Gadson, RauShonda (Andre’) Smith, Sean Gadson, Darius Washington, Jalen Washington, and Devonte’ Washington; five grandchildren, Noah Gadson, Rachael Gadson, Alexander Patterson, Andre’ Smith, Jr., and Armias Smith; siblings, Marion Otis Gadson, Marlene James, Doris Davis, Albertha Littles, Ruby Newton, Joseph Gadson, and Carol (Bill) Washington. Richard also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.