Francis Gene Risher

Francis Gene Risher, 95, formerly of Folly Beach, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Veterans’ Victory House in Walterboro after a long illness. He graduated from Chicora High School in 1949 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951. In 1952, he married the late Elizabeth “Lib” Powell. He retired from the Naval Shipyard and after moving to Folly Beach, worked in maintenance for Fred Holland Realty. While working on the island, he was often accompanied by his dog, Jack, who predeceased him.  Gene, as he was known to all, loved to show off his “War Room” at their beach house. He was a member of Sons of the American Revolution, through his ancestor, Benjamin Risher.

Gene was a member of Folly Beach Methodist Church for 47 years and served as an usher for Sunday services.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Raysor Risher, Jr. and Havlyn Utsey Risher, his wife of 72 years, Elizabeth “Lib” Risher, sister Doris Risher, brothers Harold Risher and Thomas Risher.  Surviving is his beloved sister, Becky Risher Jenkins.

Surviving children are Francis Gene “Skeeter” Risher, Jr. (Cathy), Cynthia Risher Hensley (Hilbert, Jr.), and Julie Risher Lustig (Jeffery). Grandchildren are Dr. Holly Hensley, Lt. Col. Drew Hensley (Loukeya), Shelby Risher Padgett (Martin), Cameron Risher, Alexis Risher Sanders (Davis). Great-grandchildren Havlyn Belle Hensley, Flora Lou Hensley, Emmeline Pearl Hensley, Risher Lanier Padgett, and Francis Wilder Padgett.