Obituary of Richard Lee Dommel

Born in Dana, Iowa, Richard (Dick) Lee Dommel, son of the late Homer Dommel and Marian Podmore Dommel, passed away on March 21, 2025.  He was the devoted husband of Nancy Sperry Dommel for 63 years, a marriage founded on love, mutual respect, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Dick’s professional journey was spent with E.I. DuPont in the Fibers Division, working in Seaford, Delaware, and Lugoff, South Carolina. He retired as a Research Fellow and later consulted with Mohawk Industries in Dalton, Georgia. His career was a testament to his commitment, expertise, and unyielding work ethic.

Outside of his career, Richard’s greatest passion was sailing. Dick poured his heart into competitive sailing. With the help and support of his daughters and wife, he won numerous East Coast National Championships aboard his beloved San Juan 21, “White Knuckles.” He was an active member of the Wateree Sailing Club and later the Columbia Sailing Club, where he formed lifelong friendships and shared his love of racing with fellow enthusiasts.  As members of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Lugoff, the family would often attend the early Sunday morning services so the family could head to the sail club afterward to prepare for the Sunday races on Lake Wateree.

Richard is survived by his sister, Susan Dommel Taney; daughters, Zoe Dommel and Jill Dommel Avery, both of Columbia; son-in-law, Richard Avery (Columbia); and his cherished grandsons, Jackson Lee Avery (Washington, DC), Reid Foster Avery (Seton Hall University), and William Pierce Avery (Clemson University).

He was predeceased by his brother, James Dommel, sisters-in-law Darlene Dommel and Sally Sperry Lebeck, and brother-in-law William Taney.

Dick’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. His legacy of love, passion, and dedication will continue to inspire those closest to him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow sailors. May their sails be filled with the winds of peace. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Sailing Club Vancleef Junior Sailing Program or to the American Cancer Society.

Columbia Sailing Club 

P.O. Box 922

Columbia SC 29202