Marty Grover Richards

Marty Grover Richards passed away on December 23, 2024 after a lengthy illness. A native of Spartanburg, Marty was born July 14, 1957, and was the son of the late Ann Chastain Richards.

Marty attended the public schools of Spartanburg School District Seven and graduated from Wofford College in 1980. He went on to earn two Master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from The Ohio State University and another from Indiana University. He later earned the Ph.D. from The Ohio State University as well. He held positions in real estate and political campaigning before making a successful career path in non-profit and philanthropic management around the country. He taught college courses in Spartanburg before becoming a member of the staff at Spartanburg Community College, eventually serving as Executive Director of the Spartanburg Community College Foundation. He relocated to Ohio for several years, holding a variety of positions there including President/CEO of Business Professionals of America, Director of Development for Franklin Park Conservatory and Vice President of the United Way of Central Ohio. He later returned to Spartanburg as Vice President for Advancement with the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. He rounded out his career leading advancement and the philanthropic foundations for Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, NC, and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC before returning to Spartanburg in 2022 due to declining health. 

Wherever he lived and worked, Marty was active in community and church, serving a long list of non-profit organizations as a board member and volunteer. At home Marty was an excellent cook and frequent host. Especially during his final years of declining health, surgeries and hospital stays, close friends, neighbors and beloved dogs Charlie and Annie nurtured him and he nurtured them in return.

Marty is survived by cousins and a host of colleagues and friends from across the USA.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held 2:00pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church Chapel, 393 East Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or the charity of your choice.