George Atherton

George Richard "Dick" Atherton, 84, of Spartanburg, beloved husband, father, small businessman, community servant, and devout Christian went to be with his Lord, Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Born January 26, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, IA, he was the son of the late George Harold and Esther Mae Atherton. Dick married Edna Louise Turner on June 22, 1952, and the couple recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. The couple had three boys who they raised while at the same time founded and managed Atherton Electric Company from 1958-2004 when he turned over the reins to his son David. Starting from one old pickup truck and a desk in his bedroom, he turned his business into one of the most recognizable suppliers in Spartanburg County. During his successful career, Dick was recognized as the Spartanburg Small Business Owner of the Year in 1992. Dick has been a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg for over 50 years, first becoming a deacon in 1962. He served on numerous committees and held many lay leadership positions over the years with an overwhelming desire to serve and mentor others in his church and in the community. To that end, Dick was also a member of the Lion's Club International for over 45 years. Again, he served on numerous committees and in positions of leadership in an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the blind and sight challenged. Dick's many Lion's Club career positions included president of the Spartanburg Lions Club, South Carolina District Governor, and eventually president of the South Carolina Lions Club Foundation. His passion and dedication to help and serve others - whether it was at home, in business, in church, or as a Lion - will live on as Dick's legacy as he embodied in his heart and soul the motto of Lion's Club International - "WE SERVE". He is survived by his wife, Edna Louise Turner Atherton; sister, Susan J. Rendleman (Henry) of Hickory, NC; children, George R. Atherton, Jr. (Mary Lynn) of Pretoria, South Africa, Mark E. Atherton (Elizabeth R.) of Houston, TX, and David W. Atherton (Sharon R.) of Spartanburg, SC; seven grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Atherton of Spartanburg, Laura M. McConnell of Tampa, FL, Kristen M. Atherton of Houston, TX, Katelyn M. Atherton of New York, NY, Gregory L. Atherton, Steven W. Atherton, and Kelly M. Atherton, all of Spartanburg, SC. Visitation will be 3:00-4:15 PM Saturday, July 28, 2012, in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. Funeral services will follow at 4:30 PM, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Donald J. Wilton, the Rev. Dr. Alastair C. Walker, and the Rev. Sal Barone. Committal service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Lions Club, PO Box 647, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or Alzheimer's Association, 901 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George Richard "Dick" Atherton please visit our Sympathy Store.