Richardson Lenhardt Lathem

June 17, 1938 - May 6, 2021

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Gramling United Methodist Church Cemetery

14941 Asheville Hwy, PO Box 58

Gramling, SC 29348

864-472-2551 |

Sunday 5/9, 2:00 pm

Richardson Lenhardt Lathem, of Greenville, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021, at the age of 82. He was the loving husband of Janie Wingo Lathem for 53 years.

Lenhardt was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He taught at Parker High School and was an administrator at B.J. Skelton Career Center in Pickens County. He served as Past President of the Berea Lions Club and as a Commissioner of the Berea Public Service District. He also served as the Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority Commissioner. He was a charter member of the SC Region Antique Auto Club of America.

Lenhardt was a kind soul always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He could often be found in his shop working to get something mechanical up and running. Many times his attempts to resurrect these pieces of equipment resulted in failure, but he still kept the non-functioning pieces “just in case someone needed them.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Katherine Reid (George); and two grandchildren, William and Elizabeth Reid of Clinton; a sister, Nancy Jones (Don), of Greenville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Garrison Lathem and Ernestine Childs Lathem; and a brother, Dr. James Ernest Lathem.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Gramling United Methodist Church Cemetery, 14941 Asheville Hwy, Inman, SC 29349.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon St. Greenville, SC 29605.

Condolences may be made to the family on the Tribute Wall located above.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest.

To send flowers to Richardson Lenhardt Lathem’s family, please visit our floral store.

Gramling United Methodist Church Cemetery

14941 Asheville Hwy, PO Box 58

Gramling, SC 29348

864-472-2551 | Map

Sunday 5/9, 2:00 pm

Richardson Lenhardt Lathem, of Greenville, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021, at the age of 82. He was the loving husband of Janie Wingo Lathem for 53 years. Lenhardt was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He taught at Parker High School and was an administrator at B.J. Skelton Career Center inContinue Reading

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Janie, I was so very sorry to hear about Lenhardt's passing. He had a special place in my heart. I enjoyed the years we worked together at the Career Center. He had a good heart and was so kind. He and I bonded over camping stories. I loved it when he talked about projects he was doing. I will remember him fondly. Blessings, Terri

Janie and Katherine, Gail and I were sorry to read about the passing of Lenhardt. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. We hope you will find comfort and strength in God's promise that He will never leave us alone. Sincerely, Mike and Gail Mahaffey

Lenhardt was a real Southern Gentelman and a genuine friend to us. He was was a neighbor and so helpful to so many others. He was always using his tractor to help my wife Shirley dig up an old shrub. He did many things out of the goodness of his heart and has yet to let us pay him for any help that he gave us. He was just a great guy. We will miss Lenhardt immensely.

Lenhardt and I were in the 414th army unit together and when I was Postmaster of Easley, SC he would come by my office every once in a while to talk about our gamecocks and service. The last time I was able to be with him was at John Bolens funeral and seeing Vickie. He was a great friend and teacher. I will miss him.

Lenhardt was a southern gentleman and a true friend. I have known him all my life and I am a year younger. We went to grade school together and we were fraternity brothers in college. I have often told him and others that I might not have made it through USC without his help. He showed me the ropes! I will always remember Lenhardt.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Katherine, George and Family... Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you all find peace, strength and comfort in the Lord. With our deepest sympathy... Michael and Cynthia Stoddard

Dear Janie and family, Just a note to let you know that we are thinking and praying for you. I just think of the early times at Enoree when Lenhardt and I "learned" together. I always enjoyed the times we had to discuss life, cars, farming, peaches, people and world problems. I am just glad that had the opportunity to know Lenhardt and call him my friend. My our God give you all the comfort and peace you need during these days.

Janie and Katherine, So sorry to learn of Lenhardt’s passing. Praying that you both will find peace in the wonderful life he lived.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.