Richard Dean Wagner

Richard Dean Wagner, 85, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday March 25, 2026 at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on July 16, 1940 in VanWert, Ohio to the late Harold Eugene Wagner & Margaret Jane Dustman Wagner.

Along with his parents, Dick is reunited in passing with his wife, Christine Wagner; step-son, Christopher Atkinson; and special pet, Bogey.

Dick had a personality larger than life! He was the proud owner and operator of his garage door company where he established life-long connections and collected an army of friends. In his younger years, Dick played semi-pro baseball for the Cleveland Indians. Dicks’ affinity for sports carried over later in life with his love for the Carolina Panthers and Ohio State. In his later years and after his retirement, Dick got to enjoy all the freedoms life had to offer. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed birdwatching from his back porch, sitting near the beach on a warm day and probably his favorite hobby was making his rounds to the local restaurants,  sharing stories and the origins of his famous nickname, “Big Dick Daddy from Cincinnati!” Dick was an icon at these establishments and his absence will be noticed.

Left to cherish Dick’s memory are his adoring wife and partner of over 18 years, Ms. Cathy Renzulli of the home; sons, Jon (Stephanie) Wagner & James (Brenda) Wagner; step-son, James D. Atkinson, Jr. and wife, Brenda of Clover, SC; his grandchildren, Helen, Elliot, Elise & Quinn Wagner; as well as a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 4pm at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 3pm until the service.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.