Richard Timothy Harvin

Richard Timothy Harvin, affectionately known as “Dick,” was called home on Friday the second of October 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family in Houston. Born in Hartsville, South Carolina, he was the son of Joseph Bunyan (J.B.) Harvin and Miriam Watford Harvin.

Dick grew up in Hartsville with his younger brother, Joe. Both of his parents worked for Sonoco Products, and his father coached baseball at the local high school and for the Sonoco employee team. Both Dick and Joe played baseball, sharing their father’s love of the game. Dick earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Hartsville High School in 1957. It was during his high school years that he began dating Katherine “Tattin” Williams, who would become his lifelong sweetheart. Following graduation, Dick left Hartsville to pursue his dream of attending Clemson University.

During his years at Clemson, Dick played the trumpet and was a member of the tennis team. He was active in campus life as a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Numeral Society, Tiger Brotherhood, and served as president of the Central Dance Association (C.D.A.). Dick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina in January 1962.

Just three months later, in April, Dick married Tattin, the love of his life. Together, they shared more than 64 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and friendship.

Dick enjoyed a fulfilling and distinguished 37-year career with ExxonMobil holding executive positions in sales, advertising, marketing, and distribution. His career began in Greenville, South Carolina and took them to Tampa, Charlotte, Miami, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Darien/New York City, and Houston three times. In 1989, he was entrusted with overseeing litigation related to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, commuting between Alaska and Houston for several years. Throughout his professional life, Dick earned the respect of colleagues for his strong work ethic, integrity, and quiet leadership.

Dick’s faith and commitment to his church were central to who he was. He was an active member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, and head of the Personnel Committee, in addition to chairing or serving on numerous other committees. One of his most meaningful contributions was serving as vice-chair of the committee responsible for establishing the church’s columbarium, on which he later served as an emeritus member. Fittingly, Dick will be laid to rest in the very columbarium he helped establish. His commitment to church leadership extended to other congregations, having served as a Deacon at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, Connecticut and an Elder at Pines Presbyterian Church in Houston.

Retirement did little to slow Dick down. He continued to devote his time, energy, and leadership to organizations and causes close to his heart. He served in various volunteer roles at Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM), including gala chair, and later served as president of the board. Dick remained actively involved in his community at The Buckingham, where he and Tattin resided since 2018, serving on the employee appreciation and scholarship committees, reflecting his genuine appreciation for those who served others. He also helped lead the Buckingham Foundation as co-chair of its board.

His love for Clemson University endured throughout his life. He helped establish the ExxonMobil Employees’ Endowed Chair at Clemson, and together, he and Tattin established an endowed fund for Excellence in Engineering to support the university. Through these contributions and his continued volunteer involvement, Dick remained a devoted alumnus, committed to giving back to the institution that had played such a significant role in his life.

A true Southern gentleman, Dick was known for his gracious manner, genuine warmth, and a twinkle in his eye. He had an impeccable sense of style and, always a sharp dresser, took pride in his appearance and enjoyed looking his best, no matter what the occasion. He valued his friendships, treated others with kindness and respect, and had a natural ability to make everyone feel welcome. Although both Dick and Tattin came from small families, together they built an extraordinary circle of friends in Houston over the years. These lasting friendships became an extended family and were among the great joys of their lives.

Dick enjoyed tennis, fishing, golfing, and spending time at his vacation homes in Galveston and Aspen over the years. An enthusiastic Clemson football fan, he loved cheering on his beloved Tigers. He and Tattin especially enjoyed traveling to Clemson and across the country for football games during the team’s most successful seasons. Dick also had a particular fondness for shopping and running errands, finding joy in even the simplest everyday activities. Whether enjoying time with friends or gathering with family, he appreciated life’s many pleasures and the people with whom he shared them.

Above all, Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest pride and joy was his family. Affectionately known as “Daddy Dick” to his six grandchildren, he cherished the time they spent together and the memories they created. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, kindness, and love that will continue through the family he treasured.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Katherine “Tattin” Harvin; his daughter Katherine and her husband, Jeff Fuller, and their children, Allison and William; and his daughter Jennifer and her husband, Marcus Vajdos, and their children, Meredith, David, Jane, and Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Bunyan (J.B.) Harvin and Miriam Watford Harvin, and his brother, Joseph Harvin.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers with Staci J Cares, Vantage Hospice, and the many medical professionals who provided Dick with compassionate care, kindness, and support throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s.

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Thursday the fifth of November 2026 at twelve o’clock noon at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. A reception will follow in the sanctuary lobby.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church or Memorial Assistance Ministries.