Richard Randolph Blencowe Sr.

1926 - 2024

Richard Randolph Blencowe, Sr.

August 18, 1926 - January 14, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Richard Randolph Blencowe, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 18, 1926, in Columbia, SC, the son of Thomas Charles Blencowe and Isabel Chapman Blencowe.

He attended Dreher High and graduated from Davis School in Columbia. He also attended the University of South Carolina and received a certificate in Design in 1951 studying under Edmund Yaghjian. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and Beaux Arts. He married Annie Louise Pressley on October 6, 1951, at Washington Street Methodist Church.

Richard received the designation of Financial Services (C.L.U.) from the American College in 1967. He was a general agent with The Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company, President of Columbia Life Underwriters Association, and President of Columbia General Agents and Managers Association. In addition, he was the Real Estate Broker with Blencowe Company. Richard was a member of Saint John's Episcopal Church serving on the Junior Vestry and, after his marriage, joined St. Martin's-in-the Fields Episcopal Church serving on the Vestry. He was a Cub Scout leader for his sons' troops. He was also a member of the Columbia Sertoma, The Columbia Ball (Past President), the St. Andrews Society of the City of Columbia, Forest Lake Club, the Quadrille Club, The Tarantella Club and The Caprician Club.

Richard served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a Sergeant Major of Aircraft Control and Warning Center stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He really enjoyed his yearly golf trip down to St. Simons Island (The Palmer Festival) with his golfing buddies.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Thomas Charles (Tommy) Blencowe, Jr., and his beloved Labrador Retrievers, Lou and Maggie Lou.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years of marriage, Annie Louise Pressley Blencowe, daughter, Ann Pressley Blencowe, sons, David Trezevant Blencowe (Ginger), Richard Randolph Blencowe, Jr. (Edye), Robert Chapman Blencowe, grandchildren, Jennifer Trezevant Blencowe Waites (Christian), Hunter Pressley Blencowe, Richard Lumsden Blencowe, great granddaughter, Riley Rose Waites, and great grandson, Christian Monroe Waites.

We would like to send a special thanks to Frances Shearer and Novia Smith who helped him while he was at home and to Annie Mae at Agape Hospice.

A private service will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice or to St. Martin's-in-the Fields Episcopal Foundation, 5220 Clemson Ave., Columbia, SC, 29206 or to Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor St., Columbia, SC 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.