William "Bill" Richardson Hearn, Sr.

William Richardson Hearn, Sr., husband of Martha Jane Summey Hearn, passed away on February 26, 2025, at his home in Summerville, SC. Bill was born in Baltimore, MD on December 13, 1937, to Robert L. Hearn and Mary Ellen Fossett Henley. He grew up in Lincolnton, NC and graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1956, where he was a drummer in the high school band and a member of the football team. Bill began dating Martha Jane Summey in the eleventh grade and they eloped shortly after graduating high school on July 7, 1956. Bill attended Appalachian State University for one year before transferring to the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1960. Bill spent his career in banking, but his true passion and calling was as a youth sports coach in Irmo, SC where he coached hundreds of young men in baseball, football, and basketball. Bill’s teams won numerous championships in all three sports, including the Irmo Youth All-Star Football Team that won the 1970 State Championship. Bill was an original member of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission in 1969 and was instrumental in the construction of the Seven Oaks Park recreation complex. Bill was an officer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was recognized for his service. Bill was also active in the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC and served as a Deacon, an Elder, and Clerk of Session. Upon moving to Summerville in 2003, Bill was active in the Men’s Ministry at Cathedral of Praise in North Charleston and served in other ministries where he continued to touch the lives of many people. Among his hobbies, Bill enjoyed playing golf and following his alma mater, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Bill is survived by his wife Jane; his three sons, William R. Hearn, Jr. (Libby), J. David Hearn, and Timothy B. Hearn, Sr.; his grandchildren Brooks Hearn McFarland (Isaac), Sarah R. Hearn, Michelle E. Hearn, and T. Brian Hearn, Jr. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Robert Lee Hearn, Richard F. Hearn, and Mary Ellen Hull.

His memorial service will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Cathedral of Praise, 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cathedral of Praise, 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, SC 29418