Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69

Isle of Palms, S.C.—Richard Moore, the co-founder of Polly’s Fine Jewelry in South Carolina, died on Aug. 1.

He was 69.

Moore was born in Tennessee and raised in Winnsboro, South Carolina, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, family, and the outdoors.

As a student at Winnsboro High School, he excelled in football and baseball, playing quarterback and defense alongside his older brother, Skip.

He also found a passion for golf as a teenager, playing with his father on Saturday mornings at Fairfield Country Club in Winnsboro.

Moore played baseball at Spartanburg Methodist College and later graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1978.

Following graduation, Moore began his career with Milliken in Hartsville, South Carolina, before returning to Winnsboro to work for Uniroyal.

He continued his career at Mass Mutual, and then he and his wife Polly decided to pursue their dream of owning a business together.

They opened Polly's Fine Jewelry in Charleston in 1986.

In an online obituary, Moore’s family said Polly’s was founded on integrity and genuine care for others.

They described the business as more than a jewelry store; It was a place where customers became friends, employees became family, and life's most meaningful moments were celebrated.

There are now three Polly's Fine Jewelry locations in the Lowcountry, and their son Caulder and his wife Lizzy are involved in day-to-day operations.

As the store grew, Moore never lost sight of what mattered most, his family said.

He believed in treating every person with kindness, respect, and fairness, and his quiet leadership left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He cherished life's simple pleasures.

Moore was known for his easygoing spirit, quick wit, and unmistakable sense of humor.

He could make people laugh without trying too hard, said his family, and his calm, steady presence put others at ease.

Moore had a gift for making every moment feel a little lighter.

Outside of work, Moore found joy on the golf course, out on the water fishing, and spending time with loved ones.

He was a proud member of Bulls Bay Golf Club and treasured the time he spent there with friends.

Moore was a loving husband, a proud father, and a grandfather who could always be counted on for a laugh, a smile, and a story.

He was happiest when raising his family on the Isle of Palms, coaching youth sports, traveling to junior golf tournaments and cheerleading competitions, enjoying family ski trips, and making memories together.

His dogs Garnet and Harbour brought him constant companionship and joy.

His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the business he helped build, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, humility, humor, and love, his family said.

Moore was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Moore and Grace Moore; his brothers, Skip Moore and Michael Moore; and his son, Jackson Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Polly Moore; his daughter, Kristin Moore Epstein, and her husband, Steven Epstein; his son, Caulder Moore, and his wife, Lizzy Moore; his seven grandchildren, Briggs Epstein, Keller Grace Epstein, Brady Epstein, Klara Mills Epstein, McCrae Moore, Sutton Moore, and Caulder Moore Jr.; his brother, Robert Moore, and his family; his brother-in-law, Brunson Loadholt, and his family; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the South Carolina Junior Golf Association or New Heart Gathering via Venmo @NewHeart-Gathering or by mail at 2120 Pinehurst Ave, Charleston, SC 29414.