Clyde Herman Shokes, Sr.

Clyde Herman Shokes, Sr. passed away on Dec. 9, 2024 in Charleston, SC at 99 years old. He was born on Dec. 2, 1925 at 25 Montagu St. in downtown Charleston, the son of Victor Shokes and Cassie Church Shokes. He is predeceased by his wife, Millie Shokes and two brothers: Kenneth Shokes and Harral Shokes, and a daughter, Laura Shokes Mappus. He is survived by his children: Clyde H. Shokes, Jr, Cassie Shokes and Lee Shokes (Sue). He has six grandchildren (Adam Shokes, Daniel Shokes, Ryan Shokes, Fran Cross, Rev. Mary Finklea and Tee Mappus) and four great-grandchildren (Lauren Cross, Anna Cross, Tucker Mappus and Will Mappus). 

Clyde grew up downtown near Colonial Lake until his family moved to the West Ashley area in 1938, on Fifth Ave., in Maryville, before Highway 61 took its current course. He attended St. Andrews Parish High School where he was co-captain of the football team, when it was the only high school in West Ashley. Clyde retired from the S.C. State Ports Authority after 30 years. He was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church on Church St., the oldest Baptist Church in the South, where he was a deacon. As a child he pumped the air required for the church organ to operate.

Clyde used to tell people that the doctor charged $15.00 to bring him into this world. When he was a young child, he fell into Colonial Lake and almost drowned, but a policeman jumped in and saved him. Clyde would often ride with the ice delivery man as he delivered ice throughout Charleston.

As a child he lived at Sullivans Island with his parents and worked at an ice cream shop in the summers. Clyde also lived at Folly Beach where his parents had a house, and he worked at a bowling alley. 

He and his family lived in Adams Run, SC for a while, across from the Adams Run Baptist Church where his uncle, Ralph Pickette, was pastor in the early 1950’s. In 1952 they moved to Hutton Plantation on the Edisto River at Willtown Bluff in a caretaker's house while working for his uncle (and namesake) Herman Dryer and aunt Eileen Church Dryer. The family moved back to West Ashley about 1955. 

Clyde served in the Navy as a Fireman Second Class (Electrician’s Mate) from 1944 to 1946. 

One of his ancestors was Abraham Shecut and his son, John Lewis Edward Withridge Shecut. They were French Huguenots, patriots, and early Charlestonians. John L.W. Shecut was one of the founders of the Literary and Philosophical Society when it possessed the collection that became what we now know as the Charleston Museum. 

Clyde was taken care of by his children and sitters for the last six years at his house at 35 Stocker Dr. A special thanks to the sitters he had all those years, especially Lorie and Yvonne.

Throughout his long and faith-filled life Clyde loved spending time with his family and friends, being at church, fishing, watching Clemson football games and helping others in any and every way he could. He was truly a great person and served as a role model for us all.

The relatives and friends of Clyde Shokes are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, December 16, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Charleston at 4:00 PM. A reception will be held at the church immediately after the service. 

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church School Teacher's Fund, 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401.