Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Richard Duane Hitt, 76, of Columbia, who passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at his residence. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. Darel Daniels will officiate the services. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Richard served his nation in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1969 and was assigned to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. During his tour in Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart Award for being wounded while on patrol in a hostile combat zone. Ricky also received the Bronze Star Medal for outstanding meritorious service in connection with military operation against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He was promoted to SGT and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army after serving two years.

Richard was a loving husband and devoted family man. He cherished his wife and found immense joy in spending time with his loved ones. He was a Bible reader that loved Jesus with all of his heart. An avid golfer, Richard also enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors, often spending time on his deck, observing the birds. In his younger years, he was an enthusiastic hunter. With a deep fondness for animals, Richard leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Moody & Alberta Turnage Hitt; one Brother, Phillip Hitt; and two Sisters, Faye Langford, Jackie Locker.

He is survived by his Wife of twenty-eight years, Janet Hitt, of Columbia; one Son, Britt Autry (Lisa), of Maryville, Tennessee; three Daughters, Allison Bourne (Travis), of Columbia, Amanda Ramshur (Robbie), of Columbia, Stacey Byrd, of Brooklyn; three Brothers, Charles Hitt, of Columbia, Tim Hitt, of Amite, Louisiana, Mike Hitt, of Columbia; two Sisters, Peggy Robbins, of Columbia, Gary Andrews, of Albany, Georgia; eleven Grandchildren; and four Great Grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Travis Bourne, Robbie Ramshur, Cole Bourne, Parker Wilks, Jackson Wilks, Caleb Bourne, and Landon Wilks.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com