Charles Henry Rhea went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday November 5, 2026 at the age of 95. Charles lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, service, dedication, and family.

Born on September 3, 1931, in Covington, Va. to his parents Henry and Louise Rhea, Charles leaves a legacy that will live on through the many lives he touched and most especially through the family he loved dearly.

One of the greatest love stories of his life began 76 years ago at Aldersgate Methodist Church where he met Martha Stephens. It was the beginning of a lifetime together. Charles and Martha shared nearly 75 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, commitment, and family.

Charles graduated from Murray High School, the University of South Carolina with a degree in Electrical Engineering and went on to build his career at Westvaco Pulp and Paper Company.

Charles served more than 35 years in the National Guard, achieving the rank of Captain and Company Commander demonstrating his commitment to duty and country. He also served in the US Power Squadron safe boating organization as Squadron Commander and District Commander. His motto was “anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

Outside of his professional and community service, Charles found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid boater who loved being on the water and took great pride in working in his yard. Charles never met a stranger. He especially loved dancing and was the life of the party. His sense of fun, enthusiasm for life, and the ability to bring people together made him a memorable presence wherever he went.

Above all, Charles treasured his family. He was preceded in death by his brothers Marion Rhea and Gerald Rhea. He is survived by his wife of nearly 75 years, Martha Stephens Rhea, his son Charles Stephens Rhea (Christi), his daughter Cheryll Rhea Colson (Chris), and his sister Betty Rhea Tillman.

He leaves behind four grandchildren, Charles Christian Colson (Heather), Caroline Rhea Usry (Grant), Corinne Rhea Spriggs (Leeton), and Ian Alexander Rhea.

He also leaves behind ten great grandchildren, Rylee Cate Colson, Charles Carter Colson, Christian James Colson, Hayes Rhea Usry, Oliver Wendell Usry, Nathan Lewis Usry, Finley Charles Usry, Sullivan Rhea Spriggs, Benjamin Spriggs and Addis Henry Spriggs.

Charles’ life was defined by family, love, hard work, Christian values, military service, friendship, and a wonderful appreciation for life’s celebrations. His legacy is not simply measured in the years he lived, but in the family, he built, the friendships he cherished, and the memories that will be treasured for generations.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 at Hibben United Methodist Church, 690 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant at 1:00 pm, followed by interment in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 12, 2026 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Flowers and plants will be greatly accepted as well as memorials made to Hibben United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

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