Richard Lee Gaul

Richard “Dick” Gaul, 80, died on January 5, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina.

Dick was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Duluth. He was an energetic, curious, and playful child who formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life.

Above all else, Dick valued his wife, children, and extended family. He was married to his best friend for 62 years and was a fiercely devoted husband, immensely proud of his beloved wife and life partner. Spending time with family and showing up for the important moments mattered deeply to him. He was unfailingly reliable and steady—someone his family could always count on.

Dick moved through life with a gregarious sense of humor and a genuinely positive outlook. He was perpetually optimistic and believed in meeting each day with appreciation. When asked how he was doing, his answer was always, “Never better,” and he meant it.

He worked in the hand tool industry for 42 years, beginning as a forge operator and working his way up to production manager. While working full time, Dick spent four years taking night classes to earn his degree from Limestone College, a commitment that reflected his determination and work ethic. For many years, he also officiated high school and college basketball, forming lasting friendships with fellow referees and valuing the discipline, fairness, and community the work provided.

In his younger years, Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. In retirement, his time was spent golfing, reading, and playing pickleball. Most meaningful to him was his evening ritual with his wife—a quiet daily time together that they both looked forward to and deeply cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Jean Rock Gaul; son, Todd and Marcia Gaul; daughter, Denise Gaul and Alice Collins; siblings, Ann Gaul, Robert Tuma, Lee Anne Kendall Morton and Debbie Kujawa.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest William Gaul and Bernice Dalton Gaul; siblings, Helen Becks, Walter Skudney and George Ringhoffer.

A funeral service for family and friends will be held on January 10th at 3:00 p.m., with visitation to follow at Shellhouse Funeral Home, 924 Hayne Ave.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801