Richard Alston Card

Richard Alson Card, 87, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Spartanburg Medical Center. Richard was born on July 14, 1939, in Johnson City, NY, the son of the late Hazel Arline Youells Card and George Alson Card. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family, a passion for community, and a gifted talent for artistry.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Briar Card; his daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Pasternak (Tom) of Binghamton, NY; his daughter-in-law, Candy Card of Laceyville, PA; his grandchildren, Ryan Pasternak (Emily), Travis Pasternak (Rachel), Ashley Lance (Scott), Tyler Card (Kristine) and Jessica Chipego (Tom); his great-grandchildren, Thea, Mara, Liam, Gabriella, Maverick, Brayden, Brinley Mae and Carson; his brother, Gary Card (Michele), and his sisters, Arlene Pickett, Beverly Stankiewicz (Robert), Diane Avery, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Richard was predeceased by his son, Richard Alson Card, Jr.; and a sister, Penny Adams.

Richard and his wife were foster parents for many children through the years. One of those who stayed particularly close is Ketah Simpson.

Richard was a retired Master Machinist, having worked with Fairbanks Company in Binghamton, NY, Regtrol in Spindale, NC, Union Forging in Endicott, NY and Avoca Machine in Avoca, PA. After retiring, Richard and his wife, Betty enjoyed a memorable five-year journey traveling across the United States in their RV before officially settling in South Carolina in 2007.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He started hunting and fishing with his father as a young man. After settling in Spartanburg, fishing became

a passion. Lake Murray SC and Homer, Alaska were his favorite fishing holes.

When his children were young, he bought a boat and water skiing became a summer hobby for the whole family. He became an expert slalom skier, and taught many family members to ski.

For many years, he and Elizabeth were active Modern Western square dancers and throughout their travels danced in many states with various clubs. In 2007, they joined the Spartan Spinners Square Dance Club sharing many joyful nights on the dance floor.

When they moved to Spartanburg, Richard, being a man of faith and community, he and his wife became members of Jesus Our Risen Saviour Catholic Church.

Richard was also widely known for his incredible talent as a woodcarver. He joined the Piedmont Wood Carvers of Mauldin, SC in 2007, where he became an active member of the group. As one of the few deep relief carvers in the region, he was incredibly generous with his time and talent, warmly welcoming new carvers and teaching the craft to anyone eager to learn.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

A funeral mass will be held 1:30 pm Friday, October 16, 2026, at Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church, 2575 Reidville Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301, conducted by the Rev. Giovannie Nunez. A luncheon will be served immediately after the Mass in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate. An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel