Richard Gay

Richard Hamilton Gay “Captain Dick”, 85, of St. Helena Island SC passed away February 19, 2025. He was born on October 6, 1939, on Lady’s Island, to the late Mr. John H. and Mrs. Hilda Smith Gay.

Mr. Gay worked in the family business for 38 years.  During this time, he was a commercial shrimper, and for a period he managed Gay Fish Co. for the family.  Richard is credited with being the creator of the Lowcountry favorite, Frogmore Stew. His love of Beaufort was evident in being active in the Annual Beaufort Water Festival. He even has the honor of being the very first water skier for the first annual water festival. When he had the opportunity to join the SC National Guard he did.  He served 21 years before retiring.  When the casting began for Forrest Gump, he wasn’t going to be left out. He supplied movie props and shrimp  to the directing company that were used in  several scenes of the movie. After his retirement from the Guards and shrimping, he embarked on a second career in teaching. Students had the honor of having a bonified shrimper teach them shrimping and the art of repairing shrimp nets.  His talents weren’t limited to the seafood industry, and not being one to be idle, he went to work for several grocery store chains managing meat markets.  However, through all his adventures, he was most proud of serving his Lord and Savior at Rhema Church in Oklahoma.  While serving there as a head usher, he attended Rhema Bible Institute. Family was important to him; he loved each of them in a special way and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory, are his daughters: April G. Malphrus (Rodney), Veronica L. Martini (Bill), Bonnie G. Mathis (Bo), Michelle L. Reed, Colleen G. Donohew (Bill), 13  grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, brothers, Charles Gay (Faye), Robert Gay, sister, Hilda Upton, and sister-in-law, Claudia Gay .  He was preceded in death by brothers: John Gay, Jr., and William Gay.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday March 9, 2025, at 3:00pm at Red Dam Baptist Church, 488 Red Dam Church Road, Hardeeville SC 29927.  The family will receive guests beginning at 2:00 pm until the hour of service at the church.

The family request donations be made to Vaigneur Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Donations may be made by using the Donations tab at the top of the page, by phone, 843.726.4700, or by mail, 6802 Tillman Road Ridgeland SC 29936.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Gay, please visit our floral store.