COLUMBIA Mr. Rich, 91, died August 1, 2016, after an extended illness. He loved and served his God, and adored his wife and family. Born July 29,1925 in Lane, SC he was the first son of the late John Smythe, Sr. and Mary Lesesne Rich of Saint Stephen, South Carolina. He was predeceased by sisters Egeria Hoffman, Dell Potts, Betty Morris and brother Charles Rich all of St. Stephens. After graduation from high school John joined the Navy in Charleston to serve in the Pacific theatre until the end of World War II. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and began his career in Civil Services at Fort Jackson where he retired with honors as Chief Training Officer. A member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years John served as a deacon and Sunday School Class leader. John was a member of the Sons of the America Revolution, The Jamil Temple in Columbia and a 60 year member of the Mt. Hope Lodge of the American Free Masons. The outdoors was his true home, and John filled his life hunting and fishing his beloved low country where as a child he was gifted with the name Blueboy. He shared his talent with his grandchildren and most every weekend would find them camping, hunting, or riding ATV’s through his wife’s ancestral home in Winnsboro. Here John was instrumental in the care and maintenance and its acreage. The live oak trees he planted grace the drive to this home as a testament to his labor of love. John was predeceased by his loving wife of over 60 years Ruth Powell and survived by his 3 children, Dianne Benda (Gary), Dr. John Smythe Rich, III (Kim), and Robin Petty Calderon all of Columbia. He leaves the continual joy of his life his five grandchildren, Alan Benda (Christin), Ashleigh Benda, Ruth Lesesne Petty, Caroline and John (Jack) Smythe Rich, IV and his great grandchild Jacob Benda. His playful spirit and gracious humor survived with him to the last and will be cherished and missed by his family and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Visitation will be at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel on Friday, August 5, 2016, at 6 pm. Funeral service will be at First Baptist Church of Columbia, Boyce Chapel Saturday, August 6, 2016, at 11 am. Interment will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery in Winnsboro with a celebration of his life at The Powell Home Place. Memorials in John’s name may be made to The Powell Foundation in care of Ken Powell at 320 Clay Street, North Augusta, SC 29841 or the Saint Stephens Episcopal Church in care of Bobby Hoffman 171 Church Rd., St. Stephen, SC 29479. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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