Richard Harriott

Richard Melvin Harriott, 71, husband of Darcie Siders Harriott, of Yemassee, SC, peacefully crossed over Jorden on October 14, 2026. He was surrounded by his beloved family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 10:00am at Anderson Funeral Home with a Chapel service to follow at 11:00am in Carl Anderson Memorial Chapel.

Richard was born on April 19, 1955 in beautiful Beaufort, SC. He is the son of the late John Heape Harriott and Joan Breland Harriott.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Darcie; is one son, Joshua Clay Harriott; (Airel); two daughters, Jessi Ann Harriott Gradick (John Gradick, IV); Bridget Cherry (Daniel); one brother, Rodney Harriott (Teresa) and two sisters, JoAnne Harriott Peifer (Glenn) and Judy Harriott Blankenship (Wayne);

His beloved grandchildren, Kendall Marie, Hannah Jae, Gabriel Gradick, John Gradick V. (Camryn), Haley Marie, Clay Allen, John Michael and one great grandson, John Gradick, VI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Harriott.

He fiercely loved his family and his Savior Jesus Christ.

Richard considered his life in Beaufort an absolute fairy tale- Maybe not the “Once upon a time” kind, more like “Ya’ll ain’t gonna believe this” kind. Our unlikely hero experienced and lived out all the small-town drama, intrigue, and suspense- overcoming obstacles with humor, moral challenges with his faith, all the while being brave, kind, smart and resourceful, just your average hero.
In summarizing Richard's school years, we determined he didn’t go much. However, he did get a scholarship and graduated from "college" (that's how momma handled it) after being detained there for only 3 of the seven years that had been granted to him. Although his education was somewhat confined, he managed to learn his lesson well, returning to Beaufort a changed man.
A lot of his acts of heroism were created by him, saving himself and those who bravely ventured to be a sidekick. Us, his siblings, recall him making a Molotov cocktail and chunking it in the dog’s house and blowing it to pieces. Momma said when she got there to see what had happened, he had no eyebrows and a very stunned look on his face- not a good look for the Fire Chief’s son. Going for a ride with him in his little VW bug as fast as it would go down a dirt road and him laughing his evil little laugh, right before he pulled up the emergency brake standing that little bug on its nose and plastering your face on the windshield was a trip in and of itself. We are all happy to have survived him. We have neither time nor space for all his heroic acts. One of the sweet things to mention here is that when Momma and Daddy would go visit him in “college”, momma would make him a coconut pie. He’d say “every-time-she-came” for the entire three years he was away, momma would deliver “his favorite” coconut pie. It wasn’t until he was back in his beloved Beaufort that he admitted to momma, “I don’t like coconut”. Sparing his mom’s feelings were of utmost importance to him, especially after all the adventures he’d taken our family on.

Richard had an extensive career in construction, owning and operating Harriott Construction with his brother Rodney. They worked on Dataw Island in the early days of its development. They were easily spotted on the jobsite in their "twin" Ford trucks. He was later employed by McGrady Construction where he says he earned his master’s degree, not only in the Construction trade but, also in valuable life lessons from his very own hero and absolute master of storytelling, Johnny McGrady.
He, also, along with his friend, Johnny Chaplin, owned and operated a shrimp boat known as the Cabaret.
Richard retired to the small town of Yemassee, SC. He’d say he moved in next door to God, The Yemassee Baptist Church. In Yemassee he became known as the "lawnmower man". He was a genius with small engines, learning that skill from working alongside his dad. People would drop off 2 old mowers, and he'd make them one that ran and worked like a new one. Old lawnmowers with no parts available? No problem, he'd make the part. He fussed and carried on about the work, and people bothering him all the time but then he’d say "that's just what old men do". When asked by his customer how much they owed him, he'd say, “how much is worth to you?” Then he was amazed, it wasn’t worth a dime to some of them.
Like most “good ole Beaufort boys”, Richard was a river rat. He understood how very fortunate he was to be able to say that. Hunting Island was his playground when the beach was much wider, and the number of people there, was a lot less. His absolute heaven on earth was Pritchard’s Island. He, Darcie and Kendall would slip away and spend hours in that heavenly realm.
Fishing the rivers and creeks was always a huge part of his life from a young age. The “river rat” gene runs deep in the veins of his Harriott family. When asked “Man, where did you catch all those fish?” He’d give the same answer his dad gave “I put an X on the side of the boat so we can find the spot again” or “Under the third shade tree on the left past the landing” and wish them “Good Luck”. He taught his children well. Josh, Jessi and Bridget are 3rd generation “river rats” and they are raising the 4th generation.
Richard had a memory for jokes and funny stories like no other. To his mom, he was her “town clown”. If he was around, you can bet he'd be putting on a show telling jokes and stories, most of which were true. Many stories included him in some crazy predicament with some of his best friends.
His Love for Jesus became paramount in his life. He wanted to be sure his family and friends had the opportunity to meet his Jesus, was always happy to introduce you to his Friend. He knew his Bible and shared it every chance he got. As I, his sister, write this I cannot help but think when I look at his pictures, not everyone needs a preacher in a suit and tie. Some need one with a hat that boast of Jesus, with a head lamp attached, little glasses perched on his nose, wearing red suspenders and jeans.
Our grandmother taught us never to say goodbye, it was too final. We were to always say, see ya later.
So, with tears in our eyes, lumps in our throat and wondering who in the world are we going to call now to fix our lawnmowers- It’s, See ya later, brother.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing."

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research.