Obituary of Richard Heusel

Georgetown, SC Richard Karl Heusel, husband of Gwen Duke Heusel, of Georgetown, SC, passed away on May 19, 2023. A celebration of Richard will be held Saturday May 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in Winyah Auditorium, 1200 Highmarket Street, Georgetown SC, 29440. Reception to follow, also in the auditorium. Richard was born on Thursday, October 25, 1934 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was a graduate of Pioneer HS where he made many friends and valued those friendships over the years. He went to the University of Michigan where he sang in the (Men’s Chorus, Glee Club?) with whom he spent a summer singing his way through Europe. He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Richard graduated from Heidelberg College with a BA in Psychology. From there, he began his career at Louisville Textiles. Then, Richard moved to Greenville, SC to work at Piedmont Plush Mills for 12 years, serving as its President. In 1979, Richard then founded KM Fabrics, acting as their CEO for 28 years before retiring in 2007. As well as being an avid businessman, Richard was an enthusiastic philanthropist, quietly making a difference in the lives of many. Additionally, he passionately served on many boards in the upstate and the lowcountry. Richard has always supported the arts and continued to act on his belief in community development. His commitment goes far beyond words, as he has been a Board Member on each of the following institutions: - Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art - The Historic Winyah Auditorium (President of the Board) - The Textile Hall Corporation (Chairman) - Governors School of the Arts and Humanities Foundation - Greenville Technical College Foundation - Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau - Peace Center of the Performing Arts (Original Board Member) - Carolina Blood Center (Chairman) - The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina - South Carolina Botanical Garden In addition to being an avid tennis player for years, Richard was a spark of joy to everyone he met. He was a loving father and an ever-entertaining grandfather and great-grandfather. One of his most treasured characteristics was his love of silly songs, poems and jokes that he would deliver with a twinkle in his eye. Richard was ever the performer and the recipient of many responding giggles. Most importantly, Richard was a devoted husband to Gwen. Their love was one for the ages. They built the mill together; rehabbed a historic home in Greenville, SC to reside in, then retired to their beach house; cruised up and down the Intercoastal Waterway with Richard at the helm; planted many, (many) stunning gardens where he would haul truckloads of dirt and later spread pine straw while Gwen planted ; enjoyed concerts and art exhibitions; attended many galas; hosted fundraisers of all sorts; and most importantly were role models of a loving, selfless, respectful union to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard’s larger than life personality will be cherished in our hearts as long as we live. He was a good and faithful servant. Surviving in addition to his wife of 40 years are three daughters, Heidi Freeman (Rob), Lisa Gillig (Rick), Gretchen McCathern (Eddie); one step daughter, Cindi Endredi (Joe); one stepson, John Templeton (Alma); eight grandchildren, Sara Freeman Stanco (Caleb), Paul Gillig, Michelle Gillig, Leslie McCathern, Britni Thele (Jacob), USAF Captain Brandon Templeton, Mary Allia Endredi, Tim Endredi; two great grandchildren, Payton and Carson Thele; as well as a number of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials in Richard’s honor may be made by clicking this link Richard Heusel Memorial Fund or by browsing to https://swipesimple.com/links/lnk_47fe93ad%20 Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.org. Arrangements entrusted to Graham Funeral Home (843) 527-4419