Eugene B. “Gene” Rishel III

Eugene B. "Gene" Rishel, III was born in Lancaster, PA, on February 14, 1933 to the late Mary B. Rishel and Eugene B. Rishel , Jr. After graduation from high school, he attended Perkiomen Preparatory School. While there he excelled in both wrestling and baseball. In lieu of signing a
professional baseball contract he elected to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He completed Officer Candidate School. He graduated from Clemson University in 1962. Mr. Rishel was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and served two tours of duty in Foreign Wars: Korea and Vietnam. During the Vietnam War he worked with the Army Concept Team in Vietnam. He tested and evaluated new weapons systems. He was awarded with the Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, and the RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal. The conclusion of his military service was spent working in designing Air Defense missile systems for ground and air support.
His post military years were spent in various entrepreneurial capacities until his eventual retirement. He enjoyed spending time at his beach home and later at Lake Hartwell. His greatest delight was being with his grandchildren on the water.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was involved in many ministries. His passion was working with the Pastoral Visitation Ministry, visiting the elderly and shut ins. He had a compassionate and giving spirit, never encountering an individual he did not consider a friend.
He is survived by his wife, Mae Robinson "Robbie" Rishel, son Stephen Rishel Shelia,
grandsons – Todd Rishel, Trent Rishel Teia, Zachary Rishel Olivia great grandson Wren Rishel,
daughter Claire Hill Robert and granddaughters Alexandra Hill and Caroline Hill. The family would like to thank the Greenville VA Primary Care Team and Angela and Maria for their loving care. Memorials may be made to Thornwell Children's Home, 302 South Broad St., Clinton, SC 39325, or Miracle Hill Children's Home, P.O. Box 2546, Greenville, SC 29602. Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church Parlor on Tuesday February 3, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. in Harper Chapel. Burial will be private at Springwood Cemetery.