This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.

Richard Theodore Harvatin III (Richey) left this world far too soon on July 8, 2026, at the age of 33, at UNC Hospital, from serious injuries he sustained in a tragic auto accident. Though his time with us was brief, his impact and spirit will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Richard was born on May 9, 1993 (Mother’s Day) in Fayetteville NC to parents Richard and Tammie Harvatin.

Richard began working in food service at the age of 16 and was so excited with his first job at McDonald’s in Hope Mills North Carolina. He continued a long career in food service up until the time of his passing. He worked at Taco Bell, Smithfield’s Chicken and Barbecue and Chick-fil-A. He was most proud through serving and working as a catering manager at Chick-fil-A on Skibo Road Fayetteville NC. His most recent job before his passing was at Yummy Hibachi. He began there when the restaurant opened in April 2026 and was eager to jump in and learn all he could. The owner, Mr. V, had started to teach him how to cook and prepare foods of their culture, and he was overly excited, telling his mom that he doesn’t teach just anybody how to cook. All those that worked with and under Richard’s supervision said that he was an  amazing and encouraging leader. He was deeply commitment to excellence and exemplified an outstanding work ethic.

Richard was a South View High and Stepping Stones school graduate and held a ServSafe certification.

Richard was a vibrant soul with a passion for the arts. He loved acting and was known for his infectious enthusiasm when singing along to music while riding in the car by himself or with friends & family. His family, friends and coworkers remember his beautiful smile and striking green eyes that lit up a room when he entered.

Richard leaves to cherish his memories, his sister Ashley Owens (Mick) Hali, & Nicolle, Aunt Wanda (Mac), Adam (Jamie), Gage & Jessica, Rebel Lewis (Ashley) Tony & Chevy, Aunt Donna Lowder (Donnie), Uncle Roy Corum (Kandi), Uncle Mike Rose (Angie), Uncle Ashley Edge &Gavin, Uncle Robert Denham, many cherished cousins, and close friends Devon Johnson, daughter Ivory and Jessica Nix. 

Richard is preceded in death by his grandparents: Ila Faye Harvatin, Richard Harvatin Sr., Mae Corum, Donald Corum, Carroll Lewis, Thelma Lewis, Aunt Angela Edge, Aunt Mary Lou Stubbs, Johnny McGee, Uncle Tony Lewis, Uncle Dale Meredith, Aunt Judy Hilburn, and Aunt Ronda Denham.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Richard’s generous spirit and love for helping others.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the amazing care Richard received at UNC trauma center hospital, along with all the EMS, Fire departments and life air helicopters that worked tirelessly to care for him at the scene until his arrival at UNC.

Richard’s life will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home located at 500 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. His family invites all who knew him to join in commemorating a life filled with love, laughter and joy. Richard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.