Richard George Spaunburgh

AIKEN, SC - Richard George Spaunburgh, 90, passed away Monday, January the 15th, at the Aiken Regional Medical Center. Richard is the son of the late George Herbert and Ruth Wentling Spaunburgh and is the widower of the late June Lawson Spaunburgh. He was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, and enlisted in the US Navy upon his 18th birthday in 1945. He served aboard the USS Hooper Island (ARG-17), an engine repair ship in the Pacific fleet deployed off the coast of Japan as part of the post WWII occupational force. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Clark University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Richard had a long and successful career, working as a research chemist for Allied Chemical, Buffalo, NY, a Department Manager at Allied-General Nuclear Services, Barnwell, SC, a Program Manager for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, West Valley, NY, and finally as a consultant on nuclear fuel process chemistry. Richard also had six patents and authored a number of technical publications.Richard was the beloved husband of June Lawson Spaunburgh for 65 years until her passing in 2016. When his wife June was first diagnosed with a terminal illness, Richard and June renewed their vows, and he then served as her faithful caregiver until her ultimate passing nearly 10 years later in 2016. Richard was a devoted family man much loved by his entire family including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.Richard has called Aiken his primary home since 1973 and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he previously served as both a Deacon and Elder. He was very charitable with his time and talents, having formerly tutored both disadvantaged children and adults in Buffalo, NY, and in Aiken, volunteered at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina at Aiken. Together, Richard and June delivered meals on wheels for 18 years on a weekly basis. He was an avid golfer nearly all his life, having shot his age during his senior years. Richard was a member of the Houndslake Country Club, US Golf Association, and the Senior Men’s Club of Aiken. He was previously awarded the Aiken Sr. Men’s Club Man of the Year award in 2003. Technical organization memberships included the American Chemical Society, where he was a 60 year member holding various offices, and the American Nuclear Society.Survivors include his daughter, Linda Lawing of Monck’s Corner, SC; son, David (Jeanne) Spaunburgh of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; grandchildren, Preston and Richard (Kala) Riley of Monck’s Corner, SC, Mathew (Meredith) Spaunburgh of Indialantic, FL, Lauren (Patrick) Thorsson of Tallahassee, FL, and Nicholas Spaunburgh of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; and great-grandchildren, Brayden, Natalie and Scout Riley, and Parker and Hannah Spaunburgh.In addition to his wife and parents, Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Ruth June Thornton.The family is especially grateful to Valerie Tyler, who was a compassionate caregiver to both Richard and June Spaunburgh for many years.A Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken on Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00 AM with the Reverends Holly Shoaf-O’Kula and Dr. Brian Coulter officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken.Please visit our online guest book at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard George Spaunburgh, please visit our flower store.