Mayor Ray Richardson is a lifelong public servant and dedicated community leader whose commitment to Everman spans more than five decades. Born in Santa Paula, California, while his father served in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Ray moved with his family to Everman in 1971—and has proudly called it home ever since. A graduate of Everman ISD’s Class of 1981, he married his wife Belle the following year. Together, they raised two sons, Bryan and Aaron, and are now the proud grandparents of four.

Ray’s passion for service began early. In December 1980, he joined the Everman Volunteer Ambulance, first becoming an Emergency Care Attendant and later an EMT. He went on to work in emergency medical services in Arlington before being encouraged to pursue firefighting. Out of nearly 700 applicants, he earned a coveted spot in the Arlington Fire Department, beginning his fire academy training on October 22, 1984. After 32 years and 7 months of honorable service, he retired in 2017.

Throughout his life, Ray has worn many hats—working with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Edison Jewelers, Scholastic Book Fairs, and Coors Brewery—but his heart has always been with his community. His volunteer work with the Everman Baseball Association extended more than 20 years, where he served as assistant coach, coach, scorekeeper, equipment manager, vice president, and president. His dedication to local youth earned him respect across the community.

Ray’s civic involvement continued as a member of the Everman Parks Board and later as a City Council Member for Place 6, where he served for 11 years. In 2013, encouraged by community members and leaders, he ran for mayor—and was elected by the citizens of Everman. Now serving as Mayor for over a decade, he is known for his integrity, fairness, and commitment to ensuring that city codes and standards are applied consistently to all residents. He maintains an accessible presence at City Hall each weekday morning when not attending regional meetings.

Mayor Richardson currently serves in several leadership roles across North Texas, including:

• Chair, Emergency Preparedness Planning Council, NCTCOG (serving 13 counties)
• Member, Tarrant County Mayors’ Council (served as Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic)
• President, Everman Community Development Corporation
• Board Member, Tarrant County 9-1-1 Executive Board
• Founder of a regional collaboration initiative uniting mayors and managers from small cities including Everman, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Edgecliff Village, and Dalworthington Gardens

Driven by service, principle, and a deep love for his city, Mayor Ray Richardson continues to lead with integrity—ensuring Everman remains a community where every resident is treated with fairness, respect, and equality.