HEATH SPRINGS, SC – Mr. Richard Henry Rape, age 89, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025. Born March 22, 1935, in Union County, NC, he was the son of the late Robert Rape, Jr. and the late Ruby Laney Rape. He was the loving husband of Sylvia Faulkenberry Rape with whom he shared 68 wonderful years.

Music played a big role in Mr. Rape's life. Well known in the local bluegrass community, he was a magnificent, self-taught banjo picker, playing in several bluegrass bands over the years. He was also a member of two gospel quartets, The Southernaires and The Red Hill Boys. For more than 60 years, he served as Music Director at High Point Baptist Church where he was also a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.

Mr. Rape was a fiercely independent DIY'er and part time farmer, an avid hunter and he loved to fish. He loved the outdoors and couldn't wait until deer season each year. He and his wife Sylvia shared a love of gardening and together took great joy in sharing their bounty with family and friends. There was nothing Mr. Rape loved more than sharing a bag of fresh tomatoes with a friend! He also loved reading westerns, watching Fox News, and spending time with his beloved cat, Tom Dooley, and grand pup, Willy B.

Above all, family was at the center of Mr. Rape's life. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sylvia Rape; three daughters, Leah Ruis, Sonya Muller (Andy), and Andrea Moss (Larry); eight grandchildren, Cydnee Ruis (Jay Savoy), Chipper Hayes, Sofia Muller, Giuliana Muller, Branden Moss, Ashley Revell (Denny), Logan Moss (Sarah), and Ethan Moss; two great grandchildren, Lilly Revell and Denny Revell; two brothers, Roger Rape (Nancy) and Mike Rape (Diane); two sisters, Judy Funderburk and Diane Jordan (David); and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ted Rape and Ronald Clifford Rape.

The Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 pm Monday, February 24, 2025, at High Point Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Logan Thomas and Rev. Bobby Joyner. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to High Point Baptist Church, 1888 Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.

Mr. Rape was just a few weeks away from his 90th birthday and will no doubt be celebrating in heaven. And don't worry, folks – you're now safe at Wal Mart, no longer having to dodge Dad on the scooter. But all y'all in heaven…watch out!!!