Obituary of William Richard Funderburk

William Richard “Dick”, “Bill” or “Richard” Funderburk passed away on the morning of Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Hospice of Charleston with both of his granddaughters by his side. Born September 23, 1935 in Monroe NC, he was the son of the late William Carl Funderburk and Kathleen Funderburk and married his childhood sweetheart, Peggy Ruth Clontz, in 1955. Richard graduated in 1954 from Union High School, Monroe, NC and earned his Associate of Arts degree at Miami Dade Community College in 1977. He was drafted into the Army in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served as battery clerk. His battery was then transferred to Fort Lewis in Washington State. Richard was employed by Eastern Airlines in 1960 in Charlotte, NC and transferred to Miami, FL 1965 where he worked in flight operations. He was promoted to Manager of Flight Operations until Eastern Airlines folded in 1991. Richard went to work with Gulfstream Airlines in Fort Lauderdale in 1992 and helped grow Gulfstream from five to 2500 employees when he retired. He and Peggy moved to Mt. Pleasant SC to be close to their daughter and family. Richard was a member of First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant SC. He was very kind and loved by everyone and was known as a handyman with many talents who could fix all. He enjoyed hard work, fishing, and helping his neighbors, family, and friends with whatever was needed. Everyone at Lowes knew him by name. He and his wife, Peggy, started their own business, Aircraft Interiors, LLC in 2004 renovating homes that they would re-design and live in before moving on to a new challenge in home redesign. He was very good with his hands and he seemed to never tire when helping others. He worked ten hours a day renovating homes until he was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor in March 2014. There is much evidence of his many talents that he leaves behind for his family and friends to enjoy. Giving Richard up is difficult but we know that he is at peace and enjoying his heavenly home. We will truly miss him until we join him again. Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Clontz Funderburk, daughter Karen Britton (Chip), and granddaughters Kristin and Sarah Britton of Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is also survived by sisters Bobbie Lee (Raeford) and Betty Sue Melton, two brothers-in law, three sisters–in-law, and many nieces and nephews, all of Monroe, NC. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sat 7/12/14 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church 681 McCants Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC. In Lieu of Flowers Send Donations to a Cancer Clinic “Bio Medical Foundation” PO Box 433654 San Ysidro CA 92143 (Richard Funderburk) or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Phone: 1-800-486-8844. Arrangements are by Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services, North Charleston, SC.