Wyman M. Rish Sr., Lt. Colonel USAF (Retired)
February 17, 1942 – December 19, 2003

Wyman McQueen Rish. Mr. Rish died Friday, December 19, 2003. Born in Columbia on February 17, 1942, he was a son of Rannie Swygert Rish and the late Wyman Levi Rish.

He graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School and the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1975, he earned a Master of Arts degree in public services from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Mac joined the U.S. Air Force in April 1966, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 1966. Mac served in the military for 20 years as a pilot. His career included a year’s service in the Vietnam War piloting rescue helicopters. He retired in April 1986 as a Lieutenant Colonel and returned to his hometown of West Columbia.

His service awards and decorations included the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal, four Air Medals, three Air Force Commendation medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Mac entered West Columbia politics in 1989 when he was elected to City Council and two years later, he was elected Mayor. He was employed as a Realtor with McGee Realty. Mac served as a member of the Central Midlands Council of Governments Board of Directors, the River Alliance Board of Directors, the West Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Lexington County Development Corporation, the Cayce-West Columbia Rotary Club and the American Legion Post #79. In June of 2003 he was awarded the “Order of the Palmetto” and in November of 2003 he was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by West Metro Chamber. Mac was a faithful lifelong member of Brookland United Methodist Church serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every way he was called. He fought his disease with determination and resolve, while he continued to serve his God, his family and his community.

Burial information: Celestial Memorial Gardens, West Columbia, SC.

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Capt. Rish served in the Vietnam War as a HH-53C pilot with the 40th ARRS in the 1972-1973-time frame.