Richard Douglas Avakian

Spartanburg, SC- Richard Douglas Avakian, 76, husband of Mary L. Smith Avakian, died Wednesday, August 8, 2018. Born March 27, 1942 in Arlington, MA, he was a son of the late Ara and Marguirite C. Avakian. Richard received his Doctorate from Harvard and was an exceptional musician. He wrote music, traveled Europe playing the classical piano, and was a photographer for Hollywild Animal Park and National Geographic. Richard was active with the Spartanburg Photography Guild and worked with The Herald Journal, BNB Studios, and Ingles for many years. Richard was a great man, loved so dearly by his family. In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his children, Stephen Avakian (Jeanette), Jason Avakian (Stephanie), Daniel Shamp (Dana), and Kimberly Sherbert (Michael); grandchildren, Victoria and Alexander Shamp, Kayla Sherbert Alquran, Heather Sherbert, Rebecca, Emma Grace, Coraline Avakian, and Allison Avakian; a great grandchild, John Cayden Alquran; and brother in-law, William “Bill” Hein. He was predeceased by his sister, Johanna Louise Hein Graveside services will be held Friday, August 10th, 10:00AM at Philadelphia Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to El Bethel United Methodist Church, 820 S. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.