Richard “Rick” Edward Doughty, 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Rick was born on September 15, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama. His father died shortly after World War II, and he was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents.

He graduated from West End High School in 1961 and began classes that fall at Wheaton College near Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1965, then entered Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, where he completed a three-year program and received his Master of Divinity.

At Columbia, he met fellow student Anne Cordle of Charlotte, who was studying Christian education. They married in 1967 and began a lifelong love story rooted in faith, devotion, and partnership.

Rick and Anne moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where they lived for 30 years, raised two children, David (now in Bangor, Maine with wife Channon) and Beth (who resides in Charlotte), and served the church communities Rick pastored.

After their children were grown, Rick and Anne moved to Sevierville, Tennessee, where he taught high school at a local Christian school. During that season, he also earned a doctorate in biblical studies from International Seminary.

In later years, Rick served as Community Service Coordinator for the county General Sessions Court, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Rick and Anne retired to Charlotte in 2015 to be near family.

Through his life and ministry, Rick touched countless lives. His pastor’s heart was evident to all who encountered him. He led with gentleness, humility, and love, and he made people feel seen, supported, and cared for.

Rick chose cremation, and his ashes are in the columbarium at First Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island, in the niche next to Anne’s parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Minjin Project, a Christian outreach organization reaching the world for Christ, most recently in Moldova and Ukraine.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Doughty family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.