Rita Preacher

Rita Dawn Preacher (Childress), 91, of Ridgeland, SC passed away in Ridgeland Nursing Center on the evening of May 19th, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

Rita was born on June 6, 1933, in Spartanburg, SC, and was raised there by Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Myrtle Plexico. She attended school in the Arcadia area of Spartanburg, SC. When she graduated from high school, Rita moved to Columbia, SC, where she met a handsome Lieutenant in the Army, Richard Bailey Preacher, and they were married on February 14th, 1954. Rita and Bailey moved back to Ridgeland soon afterwards and together started and ran a successful business, Western Auto, for thirty years.

Rita always dreamed of going to college and becoming an archeologist, but as so often happens life took other paths.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Richard Bailey Preacher, Jr., Melissa D. Preacher, Suzanne A. Napoleon, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Per Rita’s request, there will be no service. Vaigneur Funeral Home will assist the family with arrangements for a burial service at Ridgeland Cemetery to be held at a later date.

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