Richard Albert Chinnis

Richard Albert Chinnis, 74, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Linda Barnes Chinnis died peacefully on October 11, 2025 following an unexpected illness. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25 at Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting Street at 11 AM. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Richard was born September 29, 1951 in Savannah Georgia, son of the late Charles A. Chinnis and Ema Nell Kimmick Chinnis. As the son of a Seaboard executive, his family moved with the job and he grew up in various places around the southeastern coast, settling after college in Charleston where the extended Chinnis family called home.

Richard was a cyclist, reader, naturalist, scale model builder, and historian. He was happiest when surrounded by the love of his family (and when Clemson won a football game).

He began working at Charleston County Parks where he met Linda, and went on to experience a full career as a coastal regulator & manager with the SC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Following state retirement, he worked in storm water management with the town of Mt. Pleasant.

Richard enjoyed being a Master Gardener with the Tri-County Master Gardeners Association and was a respected mentor to future gardeners.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Seth Chinnis and his wife Katelyn, daughter Jordan and her fiancée Kate, brother Charles Chinnis, sister Donna Chinnis, and nephew Joshua Chinnis. He delighted in being grandfather “Beau” to Julian (age 7) and Sutton (age 4).

Memorials may be made to Circular Congregational Church via their website at www.circularchurch.org/give for a one-time donation in Richard’s name. Contributions can also be mailed to Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401.

In lieu of flowers, please plant pollinators in your garden.