Richard Keith Pettit

Richard Keith Pettit passed away on May 16, 2026, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He was born on September 3, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Richard is survived by his children, Bailey Pettit Melvin and her husband, Mike Melvin, and Andrew Pettit and his wife, Lauren Pettit; and by his beloved grandchildren, Knox and Virginia Melvin, and Franklin and Chandler “Charley” Pettit. He also leaves behind countless friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Bennie Mahaffey Pettit, and his parents, Ray and Evelyn Bailey Pettit.

Richard grew up in Columbia and later moved to Simpsonville during high school. He attended Hillcrest High School, where he met Bennie, the love of his life. They graduated together in 1971 and married the following year, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than five decades and centered on family, love, and friendship.

A lifelong Gamecock fan, Richard graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in 1974. Throughout his career, Richard applied his creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit in a variety of ways. He worked on various South Carolina state government initiatives early on, owned and operated Stereo Plus, and later specialized in designing home and office audio and entertainment systems.

Richard and Bennie spent their younger years enjoying weekends on Lake Murray, attending USC football games, and traveling with friends. As a father, Richard was deeply involved in his children’s lives, spending countless evenings coaching youth football and baseball, and enthusiastically supporting swim meets and tennis matches from the sidelines. Becoming “Papa” was one of his greatest joys. He loved watching his grandchildren play in the yard, fish in the pond behind his home, and taking them on golf cart rides for frozen yogurt.

Richard was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed hosting elaborate Gamecock tailgates and lively pool parties, organizing weekend camping trips, and spending peaceful days relaxing at the beach. Richard will be remembered for his dependable nature, quick wit, and smile behind that trademark moustache and goatee.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nancy Oakley, Phil and Nanette Baughman, and Crescent Hospice for the love, compassion, and care they gave Richard during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, or to a charity of one’s choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mauldin, South Carolina, on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held at Mepkin Abbey.

Funeral arrangement have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.