Richard Eugene Seabrook, Jr.

Richard Eugene Seabrook, Jr. (“Richie”) died peacefully Sunday morning at the age of 89. The relatives and friends of Richard E. Seabrook, Jr. are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 28, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, James Island. The family will receive friends between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, Wednesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Mr. Seabrook was born in Charleston, SC on February 26, 1927 to Richard E. Seabrook, Sr. and Ida B. Seabrook. In death, he rejoins his loving wife of 64 years, Ellen Rae Seabrook, who he missed every day since her passing. Mr. Seabrook is survived by his younger brother, Robert Seabrook; three children Deborah J. Seabrook, Richard E. Seabrook III, and Rhett Charles Seabrook; three grandchildren Lisa Potts Kirchner, William Cullen Seabrook, and Richard Ashton Seabrook; and two great grandchildren Christopher Taylor Potts and Shelby Seabrook Potts. Mr. Seabrook was a 1943 graduate of Bishop England High School and enrolled at the College of Charleston and became Captain of the C of C Maroons. His education was interrupted when called to serve in the Pacific during World War II. Returning from service, in 1950 he graduated from the College with a Chemistry degree, but declined a job out of state to dedicate his life to public service here in Charleston. He was a member of Charleston County Council for 18 years from 1956 to 1974, and served as its Chairman for two years. During his years on Council he secured the first EMS system for the County, began a mobile literacy bus, secured the donation of land to open a West Ashley branch of the library, and opened the Wappoo Cut boat landing which bore his name. In addition, Mr. Seabrook was President of the West Ashley Jaycees, receiving numerous awards for outstanding service. He served as President of the St. Andrews Rotary Club from 1963-1964 and was an active Rotarian for 63 years, receiving the Paul Harris Award for outstanding Rotarian. A devout Catholic, Mr. Seabrook served as the Finance Chair for St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 30 years. As Finance Chair, he was instrumental in securing the finances for St. Joseph’s Life Center which also bears his name. In recognition of his years of service to the Church, he was made a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem by the Vatican and was given the title, “Sir Richard”, which he jokingly asked his family to call him on occasion. Most notable, and what he will be remembered most for by his family and friends, was his deep devotion and love for his family and Charleston, his friendly and fun nature, his sometimes corny but always good humored jokes, his willingness to always lend a hand when asked, and his unending belief that God has a plan for all of us.