Richard George Lovely

Richard George Lovely, 74, of Inman, SC, passed away on June 22, 2026. Richard was born on January 11, 1952, in Highland Park, MI to George & Helen Lovely.

Not long after graduating high school, Richard (Rich) met the love of his life, Paula, at a dance at Henry Ford Community College on October 5, 1971. Rich and Paula married on February 8, 1974, and welcomed their son, Chris, on September 6, 1976.

Rich began his career journey at a bird seed company in Detroit, MI. Having completed a six-month automotive trade school program at night, Rich accepted a position at General Transmission working for Ralph Frederick, who would quickly become his mentor. Rich made himself integral to that business,helping it grow from three employees to more than 180 over his more than 20 years there. During that time, Rich took night classes and completed his bachelor’s degree in business, afterhaving previously obtained an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering. That experience helped him greatly in his next endeavor: a 1995 move from Farmington Hills, MI, to the growing Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina. Rich planted new roots and ran another automotive manufacturing company he would eventually come to own. When Rich’s time in the auto industry was over after the sale of Powerline, he decided in short order that retirement wasn’t for him just yet.Always looking for a good business opportunity, Rich decided to open an indoor shooting range in Spartanburg after years of hearing folks discuss how far they needed to drive to get to a range. The Firing Line was an immediate hit. After several years running that business, Rich sold it to a local entrepreneur and gun enthusiast. Rich was always generous with his time. Whether it was his years as Chairman of the Automotive Parts Rebuilding Association or his devotion to St. Fabian Catholic Church in Farmington Hills, MI, Rich as always there to lend a helping hand. In between those commitments, Rich developed a love for golf and travel. He especially loved trotting the globe with his wife and family and being “Beepa” to his beloved granddaughter, Ellie.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Paula (72), son Chris (49), daughter-in-law Christina (47), granddaughter Ellie (15), and sister Sue (69).

In lieu of a funeral, Richard will be interred privately by his immediate family in Detroit, MI.