Richard Lee Tisdale, Sr. was born on October 24, 1953 in North Charleston, South Carolina, a son of the late James E. Tisdale, Sr. and Isabella Edward Tisdale. He departed this life on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Richard was educated in the Charleston County Public School System. Upon graduating from high school, Richard proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving stateside and abroad. After completing his enlistment successfully, Richard continued service to his country by enlisting the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring after twenty plus years of service. Richard was an advocate and believer in education, continuing his education at Trident Technical College, where he earned a degree in Welding and Auto Mechanics. At an early age, Richard became a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC. He later became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served as a member of the United Methodist Men, United Methodist Men Choir and was also a Lay Speaker. He was employed with the Department of Defense for 34 years, retiring in 2011. Throughout Richard's employment, he received numerous accolades for service with the Department of Defense. On September 25, 1979, Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to Hennie Mae Burden. This union was blessed with three sons. A son, Shamar L. Tisdale; two brothers, Billy Tisdale and James E. Tisdale, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Solomon Burden all preceded him in death. He was a member of Saxon Lodge # 249, Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons. He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Hennie Mae B. Tisdale; two sons, Richard Tisdale, Jr. and Jamal Tisdale all of Goose Creek, SC; three grandchildren, Rayvon Tisdale, Jaylen W. Tisdale and Nyla W. Tisdale; two brothers, Donald (Teresa) Tisdale of Columbus, OH and Friday (Patrice) Tisdale of North Charleston, SC; five sisters, Rosalee (Sam) Footman of Indianapolis, IN, Carrie M. Barnes of North Charleston, SC, Yvonne (Michael) Day of Indianapolis, IN, Patricia T. Wheeler of North Charleston, SC and Deborah T. Williams of Atlanta, GA; a special sister-in-law, Betty B. Brown; four brothers-in-law, Leonard Burden, Leon Burden, Carlton Burden and James Burden; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To view completed funeral arrangements, please click on 'SERVICE SCHEDULE' tab. We encourage you to leave a memorial message for the family, by clicking on 'SIGN GUESTBOOK' tab. Thank you so much!