Richard Thomas Whidden

Richard Thomas Whidden, Sr, 69, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away July 21, 2017. He was born on June 25, 1948 in Tampa, Florida to Russell Lee Whidden, Sr and Ana Josefa Fraga Whidden. Everyone who knew Rick knew his love of Florida and fishing off a pier. He was always on the go and spent many a happy hour working on Rick Jr.'s home and lawn. He also built a surprise fire pit at Cube and Aniko's home while they were on vacation! Saturdays were always date day with his wife and while following her around the craft stores discovered the joy of doing jigsaw puzzles. Those that knew him knew the importance of Friday Family Dinner and Thursday Bag day. Another top priority was Tuesday play date with his grandchildren, Judge Judy and ice cream. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Whidden; Children: Katana (Tawny) Whidden Farber (Marc); Richard Thomas Whidden, Jr., Thomas (Cube) Whidden (Aniko) and Bobby Ray Whidden; Grandchildren: Elleanna, Eponine, Jay and Emerson Farber; Emily Whidden; Samuel and Mianna Whidden; Siblings: Russell Lee Whidden, Jr. and Teresa Whidden Durrance. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Thursday, August 3, 2017 from 10 AM - 11 AM. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29209 with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation, PO Box 444, South Park, PA 15129 (Please make checks payable to "WPPBF").