Richard French, 82, of Columbia, died Tuesday, April 25, 2017, in Providence Hospital. Mr. French grew up in Rich Valley, Virginia and lived in Columbia since 1972. A son of the late Karl and Minnie French, he retired from Shakespeare Company and then worked in the custodial department at Fort Jackson Army Lodging for several years.

Mr. French is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia; granddaughter, Jesseca Olsen; son-in-law, Roger Olsen; and sister, Janice French. He was preceded in death by her daughter, Gail Olsen; and a grandson, Cody Olsen.

The graveside service for Mr. French will be held 2 o'clock, Friday, April 28th at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Thursday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia.