Richard Giles Laurens Jr.

Richard “Rick” Giles Laurens, Jr., a South Carolina native and longtime resident of the upstate, died unexpectedly on September 30, 2022 at the age of 70 at his home in Easley, SC. Rick was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 24, 1951, to Jane and Dick Laurens. He graduated from Greer High School in 1969, where he proudly served as student body president. He was a proud alumnus of Presbyterian College, earning his undergraduate degree in 1973. He went on to earn his doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1977. Rick was a well-known and beloved member of the Greenville medical community. He completed his residency at Greenville Hospital System (GHS) from 1977-1980, serving as chief resident. He founded Palmetto Pulmonary & amp; Critical Care, Associates in 1982, supported by Charles Mullen and Wayne Hollinger. In addition to serving as co-medical director of the ICU at GHS, he served as co-medical director of the ICU and CCU at St. Francis Health System as well as president of the medical staff.
Rick was an avid lover of sports, particularly the Atlanta Falcons and Braves, which he learned to love through the passion of his aunt, Betty “Beesie” Kendrick. Rick had a love for all things outdoors, gardening, hiking, hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin in Eastatoe Valley. He built the cabin with his lifelong best friends, Steve Compton and Tony Smith. He had a love of history, reading, and music. Rick was known for his captivating sense of humor and distinct, bellowing laugh that could travel across the ICU and his home. He was a committed father, a passionate friend and loyal colleague. He touched thousands of lives across the upstate. He will be dearly missed by all those he mentored, those he worked with and all who loved him. Rick is survived by his caring and loving wife, Janet Laurens, his children: Katie Laurens, Drew Laurens, Mary Beth (Laurens) Field (Davyd), and Kinsey (Laurens) Scott (Leon) and their mother, Kathy Laurens; his stepchildren: Tony Swett and Chris Swett and their children Rylie, Maddie, Hunter, Isaiah, Hezekiah, and Uriah. Additionally, he is survived by his six grandchildren: Jayson and Skylar Field; Alyssa, LJ, and Nora Scott, and Jackson Laurens; and his dogs, Molly and Stitch. He is predeceased by his parents and stepmother, Jane Laurens, Dick Laurens, and Elsie Laurens and his sister, Betsy Taylor.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8 at 2:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 910 Hudson Road, Greenville, SC. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Peter’s Family Endowment, Reach Out and Read, and Triune Mercy Center.