Rock Hill, South Carolina – Richard Wayne Sealy died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was born in Union, SC on April 9, 1942 to Leuico Benjamin and Mary Sadie Estes Sealy.
Richard is survived by his children, Melissa Sealy Church, Rachel Sealy Rogers (Kevin) and Robert Earl “Bob” Sealy (Stefanie); his sisters, Kathleen Clayton (Earl) of Chester, SC, and Ethel Harris of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren, Elizabeth Church, Jake Church, Patrick Morris, Bailey Williams (Chandler), Bergen Mullen, Delaney Mullen, London Durden and Shelby Sealy; Great-Grandchildren, Jordan McLaughlin, Kendall Knight, Lila Williams, Bennett Williams, Zephyr Smith, Lincoln Church.
He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Roof Sealy; his son, Joseph Patrick Sealy; his parents; and his siblings, L. B. Sealy, Jr., James T. Sealy, W. Melvin Sealy, O. Walter Sealy, Evelyn “Cricket” Jones, and a very special sister, Imo Ruth Sealy.
Richard was an active member of Oakland Baptist Church for many years, where he faithfully served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, church treasurer, and most importantly as a devoted member of the Chancel Choir.
Richard served in the United States Army, having been drafted in January before he turned 26 that April. During his military service, Richard received several awards: National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross Of Gallantry W/Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/DVC 60, Good Conduct Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was also promoted to a Reserve Commissioned Officer of the Army. He received an honorable discharge in 1975 as a Captain in the Army USAR Quatermaster Corps.
Richard enjoyed a long career as the optician at Rock Hill Optical. He enjoyed having the opportunity to serve the public every day.
One of Richard’s most significant lifelong commitments was his devoted service to the Masonic Fraternity. He was initiated, passed, and raised in Orange Lodge No. 319, Grand Lodge of Louisiana, F. & A. M., in 1972, and later became a long-standing member of Rock Hill Lodge No. 111, Grand Lodge of South Carolina, A.F.M. He served his lodge faithfully in numerous leadership roles, including Worshipful Master in 1996, Secretary from 1999 to 2000, Treasurer from 2003 to 2017, and Lodge Chaplain for many years. In January of 2023, he was honored with his Fifty-Year award for his dedicated service.
At the Grand Lodge level, Richard served as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd Masonic District from 1999 to 2001. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge Gifts Committee. Notably, the Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina awarded Richard the Frederick Dalcho Certificate of Merit in 2024, one of the highest possible honors in his jurisdiction. Richard’s Masonic journey extended throughout the York Rite and Scottish Rite, where he held offices including Venerable Master of the Rock Hill Lodge of Perfection and Wise Master of the H. Wallace Reid Chapter of Rose Croix. He was honored with both the 32° KCCH and then as Inspector General Honorary 33° of the Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Richard’s York Rite service included election as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Carolina from 2005 to 2006. He was further honored as Knight Crusader of the East in 2018, served as Prior of Palmetto Priory No. 54, Knights of the York Cross of Honour from 2023 to 2024, and Most Excellent President of the Order of High Priest in 2022. His additional Masonic distinctions included service as Puissant Sovereign of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine – All Saints Conclave, Preceptor of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Cana Tabernacle No. XLIX, Associate Regent and later Preeminent Governor of the Palmetto York Rite Sovereign College No. 70, Excellent Chief of Samuel H. J. Womack Council No. 20, Knight Masons, Sovereign Master of J. D. Penley Jr. Council No. 131, Allied Masonic Degrees, Inducted to Thrice Illustrious Master, and Celebrant of the South Carolina College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.
Richard was also a past Grand Tall Cedar, District Deputy STC, and Treasurer of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Palmetto Forest No. 206, a long-time member of the Hejaz Shrine Temple and York County Crescent Shrine Club where he served as a “Road Runner” transporting families and children for treatment and care within the Shriners Hospital System, as well as a Life Member of the South Carolina Masonic Research Society.
During his decades of leadership, service, and mentorship, Richard exemplified the principles of Freemasonry and left a lasting impact on his brothers in the Craft everywhere he served. He will be sorely missed!
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Oakland Baptist Church, 1067 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29732. The family will receive visitors immediately following in the gymnasium.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakland Baptist Church.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.