Richard L. Buck

Richard L. Buck of Columbia joined the saints in heaven on Thursday, July 8 while at home. Richard was born on August 28, 1929, in Columbia SC to the late Roy William Buck and Katie Henrietta Lee.A native Columbian, he attended Fannie McCants, Wardlaw, and proudly served as the 1946 Senior Class President of Columbia High School.Active in athletics, he excelled in both football and baseball.He married his childhood sweetheart, Patsy Gobel in 1946 and enjoyed 73 plus years of love and happiness. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with both undergraduate and Masters degrees.After spending 35 years traveling the state as a pharmaceutical sales representative, he started his own vending business and then later joined the S.C. Department of Probation and Parole where he retired in 2000. Throughout his life, he was a community leader, serving as President of the St. Andrews Ruritan and President of the St. Andrews Swim Club where he was affectionately called “the Mayor of St. Andrews.”An avid reader, he was wise beyond his years, a great listener, and shared his knowledge with any who asked. His love of adventure led him to obtain his pilot’s license where he enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren on various trips. He enthusiastically sponsored his friend on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Exploring the outdoors while walking along the riverbanks fulfilled his passion and love for mother nature. He loved his Lord and faithfully served in numerous capacities to include bible study teacher and Chair of Deacons at Park Street Baptist Church and later at St. Andrews Baptist Church. Richard will be remembered as a Godly man, a statesman, always thankful, humble but strong, a true Southern gentleman, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Richard is predeceased by his wife, Pat, and his brother, George.He is survived by his daughter, Laura B. Derrick (Jimmy) of Columbia; sons Michael P. Buck (Patrice) of Saluda, Stephen G. Buck (Susan) of Columbia, David L. Buck of Columbia, and R. Glenn Buck (Jerri) of Raleigh NC.He was proud of his 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The homecoming service for Richard L. Buck, 91, of Columbia will be held at 11:30 on Monday, July 12 at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia SC 29210.The family will receive friends prior to the service in the Atrium from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Baptist Church 230 Bush River Road, Columbia SC 29210.