10/22/2025
Richard Ouzts of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at the age of 59.
Born on June 21, 1966, in Columbia, Richard lived a life marked by friendship, perseverance, and meaningful connections with all who knew him.
Richard grew up in Irmo, moving from Orangeburg in the first grade. A natural-born athlete with a competitive spirit, he joined the Cold Stream Swim Club before he even knew how to swim — a sign of the determination and confidence that would define him throughout his life.
A proud graduate of Irmo High School, Class of 1985, Richard was a standout athlete who lettered in football and also ran track. His dedication on the field earned him a football scholarship to Mars Hill College, where he continued to pursue his love of sports. After an injury ended his time on the field, Richard transferred to Winthrop College, where he joined Sigma Nu Fraternity and served as chapter president. He made lifelong friendships at Winthrop and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
Following graduation, Richard built a successful career in sales, working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and holding several national sales roles over the years. Known for his drive, professionalism, and natural ability to connect with others, Richard wore many hats in the sales industry and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients alike. Most recently, he worked with BSN Sports, a role that perfectly combined his love for athletics with his natural talent for sales and relationship-building.
In 1998, Richard married Jenny on May 16, and together they built a life focused around love, laughter, and family. Richard and Jenny shared the same goals and values, and he supported her through his work. They were blessed with two daughters, Claire and Sally, who were the light of his life. Richard was a natural “girl dad,” remembered for being involved in every aspect of his daughters’ upbringing and for always being present. He never missed a chance to check off Jenny and the girls’ wish list, often stopping by the American Girl store during his sales trips to bring home something special for them.
Though he easily adapted to being a “girl dad,” Richard left a lasting impression of his love for athletics on his daughters. Both became all-star swimmers, inspired by their father’s encouragement and competitive spirit. Richard was often found at swim meets across the region—traveling, cheering, and coaching from the sidelines with the same energy and passion he brought to everything in life. One of his daughters even went on to become a Division I swimmer at Georgia Southern University, and Richard loved watching her compete at the highest level.
Richard had connections throughout the community and remained deeply involved with Chapin athletics, even after his girls graduated. He served on the Eagle Club Board, supporting all Chapin High School athletic programs. He found his niche, though, in the press box on Friday nights, serving as the color commentator for CSPN. No one called a game like Richard—he brought energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every broadcast, spending hours each week researching, pulling stats, and preparing for Chapin football’s upcoming games. Richard left a lasting impression in the press box, building friendships and memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Richard was also a good neighbor, building lasting relationships and friendships throughout his community. He enjoyed living in Forty Love and being actively involved, whether it was helping with neighborhood get-togethers on the lake or participating in cookouts. No one put on a spookier or more fun Halloween display than Richard, a reflection of his playful spirit and love for bringing people together.
Richard was a professional thrifter, always finding something to sell. He had a natural knack for spotting value and turning it into opportunity—one time even borrowing his brother’s ladder to flip it for a sale. For Richard, there was never something he couldn’t sell, and he approached it all with the same energy, creativity, and determination he brought to every aspect of life.
Richard also loved all Carolina Gamecock athletics, including football, baseball, softball, tennis, swimming, and soccer—but for him, football was king. He cherished Saturdays at Williams-Brice Stadium, and season tickets became a priority in the Ouzts household. Richard delighted in sharing the excitement of game day with family and friends, showing the same passion for athletics that he carried throughout his own life.
Richard will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and community for his boundless energy, competitive spirit, and unwavering dedication. A devoted husband and father, loyal friend, and passionate supporter of athletics, Richard inspired those around him with his humor, generosity, and enthusiasm. His love for family, community, and sports left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ferrell and Rita Ouzts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jenny Ouzts; his daughters, Claire and Sally Ouzts; his sister, Idessa Hair; his brother, Kenn Ouzts (Cathy); his sister-in-law, Leslie Jones (Chad); his step-sister-in-law, Megan Taylor (Brandon); his mother-in-law, Louise Moore; and his father-in-law and step-mother-in-law, David and Cathy FitzGerald. He is also survived by three uncles, two aunts, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and other extended family.
A private gathering will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 9th, followed by a Public Drop-In celebrating his life from 3:00–7:00 PM in The Nest, located in the press box of Cecil Woolbright Stadium at Chapin High School.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chapin Eagle Club in Richard’s Memory.
Dunbar Funeral Home- Dutch Fork Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
