Richard Carrol Shillinglaw

Richard Carrol Shillinglaw passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday morning, January 24th. 
Funeral services will be held 2pm, Sunday, January 29 at St. James Reformed Church, officiated by Rev. Todd Davis. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm, Friday, January 27 at Gordon Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant. 
He was the eldest child of the late Emily C. Shillinglaw and Roy E. Shillinglaw, of Rock Hill, SC. Rick's strong work ethic started at a very young age. At 15, he started picking up lease cars for his father's car lot. He road Trailway buses and trains, carrying a tow bar, to pick up two cars at a time. Baltimore, New York, and Miami were common destinations. He learned to navigate his way across the country at a very young age.
In the 60's, he had his own company, splicing telephone cables and putting in updated systems. He started working in North Myrtle Beach, managing the Rockin' K Motel, in Cresent Beach, that later became the Carolina Coast. Rick operated his own beach repair service, during this time, while obtaining his real estate license. He enjoyed selling houses and lots in the Cherry Grove area. He was the original owner and operator of the Beach Club and Fat Jack's in North Myrtle Beach. Memories of a lifetime were made at these special establishments.
Rick always enjoyed traveling and seeing the country. He drove an 18-wheeler. A typical   run was from Florida to California. During these trips, Rick saw every corner of the United States logging over a million miles.
 In the 70's, Rick obtained his pilot license and owned several planes. He especially enjoyed flying his plane, Bonanza, and taking his eldest daughter, Lynette, to Disney. In spite of his busy schedule, Rick once auditioned and was chosen for a part in a movie. Rick made his film debut in “Seabo” in 1978. Fittingly, Rick was cast as a truck driver.
Rick's God given gift, working and relating to people, was best utilized in sales. He established Rick's Game Sales, in the 80's. He supplied many campgrounds, and hotels with video games to enjoy. Over the years, he built many long lasting friendships through his business, having the reputation of being honest, trustworthy, and kind. In the 90's, Rick bought Cresent Beach Arcade, a large open-air arcade in North Myrtle Beach, SC. He enjoyed building a family business and reminiscing and catching up with the same families year after year.
In 2012, Rick and Dorothy moved to Mount Pleasant, NC, to help her aging mother. Rick continued to be involved in several businesses at the coast and traveled weekly back and forth. During his business trips to the coast, one of his favorite activities was to visit his grandchildren, Hollis and Ellie. They adored their Grandpa and looked forward to his visits. 
Rick was an active member of St. James Reformed Church, where he served as a deacon. He also belonged to the Rock Hill Blue Lodge 111. This was the same lodge his father and grandfather belonged to. The Shriners had a special place in his heart. 
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Dorothy and their daughter Stacy Swanson (Clint) of Pawleys Island, SC. Also surviving is his daughter, Lynette Fong (Tony) of Rock Hill, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Connor Fong, Blake Fong, Hollis Swanson, and Ellie Swanson. He is survived by one brother, Ervin T. Shillinglaw of Rock Hill, SC. 
Memorials in Rick's memory can be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607 or St. James Reformed Church PO Box 447 Mount Pleasant, NC 28124.