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BORN
1942
DIED
2018
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Richard Avakian Obituary
SPARTANBURG--Richard Douglas Avakian, 76, husband of Mary L. Smith Avakian, died Wednesday, August 8, 2018.
Born March 27, 1942 in Arlington, MA, he was a son of the late Ara and Marguirite C. Avakian. Richard received his Doctorate from Harvard and was an exceptional musician. He wrote music, traveled Europe playing the classical piano, and was a photographer for Hollywild Animal Park and National Geographic. Richard was active with the Spartanburg Photography Guild and worked with The Herald Journal, BNB Studios, and Ingles for many years.
Richard was a great man, loved so dearly by his family.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his children, Stephen Avakian (Jeanette), Jason Avakian (Stephanie), Daniel Shamp (Dana), and Kimberly Sherbert (Michael); grandchildren, Victoria and Alexander Shamp, Kayla Sherbert Alquran, Heather Sherbert, Rebecca, Emma Grace, Coraline Avakian, and Allison Avakian; a great grandchild, John Cayden Alquran; and brother in-law, William 'Bill' Hein.
He was predeceased by his sister, Johanna Louise Hein.
Graveside services will be held today, Friday, August 10th, 10:00AM at Philadelphia Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to El Bethel United Methodist Church, 820 S. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Avakian
Sponsored by The J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory - Roebuck.
4 Entries
August 14, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May Christ hold you closely in the future and keep your memories warm. Richard was truly an extremely gifted pianist. His passing is a tremendous loss to those familiar with his love of music.
Ginger and Tom Case and the Case Brothers family.
Teresa Sanders
August 13, 2018
Kim and family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers during the loss of your precious daddy!!! May God give u all strength in the days ahead!!! May u all find peace in knowing he has met his Lord Jesus and has received ultimate healing and is rejoicing in Heaven!!! Love and prayers!! Teresa, Rodney, Aubrey, and Annika Grace Sanders!!
Spending time with my Dad in the Mountains doing some photography...
Jason Avakia
August 10, 2018
I loved my Dad
The Staff of J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory
August 10, 2018
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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The J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory - Roebuck690 Southport Road P.O. Box 6424, Roebuck, SC 29376
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