Richard Lionel Predmore, Jr.

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Dr. Richard Lionel Predmore Jr. passed from this life on February 15, 2021 at his home in upstate SC. He was 77.
Richard retired as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of South Carolina. He was a professor of literature at University of South Carolina Upstate for many years where he served as the University Faculty Chair and the Division Chair of Fine Arts, Language, and Literature. As an undergraduate, Richard attended Duke University. He earned his BA degree at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, MA at The University of Virginia, and PhD at The University of Florida. He began his teaching career at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC.
Richard was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. When he was young, he moved with his family to Durham, NC where his father was a professor at Duke University. Richard attended Durham City Schools where as a sixth grade student he met his fellow classmate Patricia Anne Ray who later became his wife. Growing up, the family would travel to Europe for pleasure and academic pursuits. Richard spent time on the Duke campus with his brothers playing tennis, a sport inspired by their mother. Richard played varsity tennis at Duke and Swarthmore where he was the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference singles champion. He taught tennis at summer camps in New England and considered playing professionally.
Richard and Anne celebrated more than 55 years of marriage. They had two sons to whom he taught respect for all humankind and reverence for the natural world. Richard cherished his family, dogs, horses, and rescued donkey. He was a quiet person who enjoyed reading his books, taking long walks with his dogs, relaxing at the beach, and being at home in the Carolina foothills.
Richard is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Richard L Predmore and Catherine Pennock and brother, Dr. Michael Predmore. Survivors are wife, Anne Predmore; son, Patrick Timothy Predmore and his wife, Ashley of Spartanburg, SC; and son, Dr. Stephen Andrew Predmore and his wife, Erin and three grandchildren, Amelia, Walton, and Miles of Bloomington, IN. Richard is also survived by his brother, Dr. James Predmore of Tacoma, WA and two nieces, Jamie Long and Jenny Predmore; and sister-in-law, Izvara Predmore of Stanford, CA and nephew, Dr. Michael Predmore.
A graveside service for family will be held on February 27, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Upstate Forever (507 Pettigru St., Greenville, SC 29601) and Foothills Humane Society (P.O. Box 985, Columbus, NC 28722).