Richard Howard Jesse

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Richard Howard Jesse, 81, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 at The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

Mr. Jesse died Saturday, April 23, 2022. Born in Winchester, Illinois, he was a son of the late Sanford Melvin Jesse and Esther Lee Edwards Jesse. He was a graduate of Northwestern High School in Palmyra, IL. Richard received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University and his PhD in Louisiana State University. He retired as Assistant Director of Marketing for South Carolina Department of Agriculture. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his family. In his spare time, he loved listening to old country music, spending time outside in the yard, working puzzles, and traveling. Richard was a member of The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Christine A. Jesse; son, Bret Jesse (Kim) of Columbia, SC; daughters, Kim Funderburk of Columbia, SC and Amy Fluette (Andre) of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Kellan, Jacob, Gabriella, Matthew, Aaron, Gage, and Adam; and brothers, John Jesse (Alice) of West Columbia, SC and Lavelle Jesse (Lola) of Illinois.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Bradley Jesse and brother, Edward Jesse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline, 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212 or Columbia Animal Shelter, 127 Humane Ln, Columbia, SC 29209.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.