HEATHSVILLE—Richard Styll Stephenson, 82, of Heathsville passed away on April 19, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Thelma Stephenson.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne C. Stephenson; his son, Edward C. Freeman of Richmond; his granddaughter, Lauren B. Sutton; his sister, Betty Stephenson Compton of Richmond; his nieces, Leigh Compton Shobe (David) of Richmond, Mary Compton of Pittsford, N.Y., and Melissa Compton Patterson (David) of Richmond; eight great-nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law, James A. Carrell (Terry) of West Palm Beach, Fla., Perry E. Carrell of Stuart, Fla., Howard T. Carrell (Carol) of Deland, Fla., Carol C. Wood (William) of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Bessie C. Connelly (John) of Key Largo, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews; and by his devoted and faithful dog, Barley.
He was born and raised in Richmond, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Virginia in 1959, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Upon graduation from the University of Virginia, he began a career with Richmond Newspapers where his father was director of advertising.
His true loves were the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and good food. He channeled his passions into opening the Skilligalee Restaurant in 1970 with his business partner, Pete Pajchak. Skilligalee, the name for the restaurant, was borrowed from a fishing boat they enjoyed on the Eastern Shore. The Skilligalee remained a Richmond landmark for over 43 years and was known for its fresh seafood and nautical decor.
He found the artifacts used for the decor in the restaurant himself and moved in many of the pieces on his own. He put his heart and soul into Skilligalee, which he later ran with his wife and son and prided himself on the fresh seafood, comfortable atmosphere and devoted employees and clientele.
He spent his final years at his home in Heathsville overlooking the Coan River with Jeanne and Barley. He was a member of the Commonwealth Club and Virginia Angler’s Club.
The family would like to thank the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living and Virginia Hospice Service for their care and support in his final days. Services will be private.
