COLUMBIA Richard “Dick” O’Neale Gaillard, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. He died peacefully after a brief illness which he faced with unswerving faith, dignity and deep appreciation for the attention he received from close friends and hospital staff.
Dick’s O’Neale deep roots in Columbia go back four generations to his Irish immigrant progenitors. Born on February 18, 1934, Dick was the son of the late Christine and Richard O’Neale Gaillard. He attended Columbia public schools, graduating from Dreher High School in 1952 and the University of South Carolina in 1956. At USC, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the U.S. Navy’s NROTC program. After graduation, Dick became a naval aviator and flew multi-engine aircraft from the USS Valley Forge. Upon leaving the U.S. Navy, Dick joined his father in managing the family business, Carolina Bonded Storage Company, later becoming its President.
Dick was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and a member of the Columbia Cotillion Club. He was the epitome of the “southern gentleman” and was loved by all who knew him. Quoted by an anonymous friend in the Dreher High School 1952 yearbook, “Dick’s wit enlivens the crowd.” He enjoyed his many friends, some of whom he met with regularly at Lizard’s Thicket on Rosewood Drive. He also visited those who were homebound on a regular basis. Of particular note was Dick’s devotion and attention to his nephew, Jimmy, who will miss Dick dearly.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Louise, and brother-in-law James Mason. He is survived by his nephew, James “Jimmy” Mason.
A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Babcock Center, PO Box 3608, West Columbia, SC 29171; or a charity of one’s choice.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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