Edwin Strauss Pearlstine

Edwin Strauss Pearlstine Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully in Charleston, SC surrounded by family on August 21, 2025.

Born in Charleston, SC to Jeanette and Edwin S Pearlstine Sr., he grew up with his older sister Jane Pearlstine Meyerson next to Hampton Park on Moultrie Street. His Uncle Milton Pearlstine and his two first cousins were just next door. The stories they told about Edwin’s antics were legendary.

Edwin graduated from Rivers High School and spent one year at the University of North Carolina, then one year at Tulane University where he met his wife Barbara. Barbara and Edwin, young, adventurous, and restless to be together, left Tulane to move to Charleston where Edwin joined the family business, I.M Pearlstine & Sons (est. 1865). In 1971, Edwin purchased the family business from his Uncle Milton, becoming a fourth-generation owner, and changed the name of the business to Pearlstine Distributors, Inc.

He built Pearlstine Distributors, Inc. into one of the largest privately owned businesses in South Carolina. At the time Edwin purchased the business, Pearlstine’s sold 350,000 cases of beer annually with only 12 employees. Edwin’s daughters, Susan and Jan, and son-in-law, Larry Lipov, took over the business in 1992 under Edwin’s guidance. When the family sold Pearlstine’s in 2012 there were over 200 employees and annual sales were nearly 7 million cases. Even after Edwin “retired” from the beer business, he was always invested and committed to its success.

Throughout his career Edwin treated every person he engaged with as if they were family, regardless if they were a customer, top industry executive, political friend, or one of hundreds of employees under his leadership. Edwin made a point to lift up his employees, enabling families to purchase their first homes, cars, and send their children to college. Edwin had an amazing capability to remember the small details and always remained connected to those he met. Pearlstine Distributors’ Wall of Fame was filled with pictures of employees who had many years of dedicated service to the company, including many 20-year employees and one 50-year employee.

In addition to his dedication to Pearlstine Distributors, Edwin was an active entrepreneur. He was a partner and owner of the South Carolina Stingrays and founded a real estate company to develop The Villages of St. Johns Woods on Johns Island. Edwin’s passion for the beer business led to his investment and ownership in Palmetto Brewery - the oldest craft brewery in the state of South Carolina.

His entrepreneurial spirit and innate business intuition served him well throughout his lifetime; however, his greatest legacy will be philanthropy and incredible commitment to community service. Edwin truly never met a stranger. Edwin was a proud Charlestonian and active philanthropist, participating in causes across the Lowcountry and State. Edwin lived by the saying, “service is the price you pay for the space you occupy,”. His generosity touched numerous organizations and individuals. Throughout his lifetime, Edwin served his beloved congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) in many capacities including as President Emeritus until his passing. Edwin and his family were awarded the Frances Salvador award by KKBE for their contributions. After Hurricane Hugo, Edwin and family partnered with the Rural Mission on Johns Island to annually provide complete Thanksgiving turkey dinners for families in need. This tradition continued for decades and allowed Edwin to teach his grandchildren the importance of giving back from a very young age.

Some of Edwin’s greatest philanthropic legacies are the Hollings Cancer Center’s Barbara and Edwin Pearlstine Healing Garden, the America Cancer Society’s Pearlstine Hope Lodge, the establishment of the Pearlstine-Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture, major contributions to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, the International African American Museum, and the establishment of the Pearl Theatre in the Charleston Stage West Ashley Theatre Center. Edwin was also an early founder and contributor to the Coastal Community Foundation.

Edwin was a passionate sports fan with a particular affinity for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the College of Charleston Cougars, and the Carolina Panthers. He could regularly be found in Columbia on a Saturday and Charlotte on a Sunday. When he wasn’t at a game in person, he would be in his favorite chair with ESPN on the television and his remote in hand. Edwin’s commitment to the Cougars led him to serve as Chairman of the fundraising group which built the TD Arena.

When Edwin wasn’t working or traveling to sporting events, you could find him fishing. Edwin loved sports fishing and being on his boat – the Budman. He traveled to and fished in eight countries, and took three trips thru the Panama Canal. Edwin often traveled to the Abaco Islands in Bahamas where he became a regular in the Treasure Cay community. He also helped many local Bahamians with their education, medical care, and housing.

During Mr. P’s long and distinguished business career he served on many industry boards including as President of the South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association, a member of the Wholesaler Panel for Anheuser-Busch, and multiple responsibilities and engagements with the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Edwin also served the greater-Charleston Jewish Community in many capacities including as President of the Jewish Community Center (1975), Recipient of the State of Israel’s 40th Anniversary Award, Chair of the local Operation Exodus initiative, and President of the Hebrew Orphan Society (1981).

Edwin served the State of South Carolina in many capacities, under multiple administrations, including as Chairman of the South Carolina State Aeronautics Commission and Chairman of the State Retirement Systems Investment Panel. Edwin was also a lifetime member of the Hibernian Society.

Edwin received many awards for his lifetime of accomplishments and service including the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford in 2008, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from MUSC in 2002, the College of Charleston’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 2008, and the Malcom D. Haven Award from the Coastal Community Foundation in 1999.

Edwin was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and sister, Jane Pearlstine Meyerson.

He is survived by his two daughters, Susan Pearlstine and Jan Lipov, and Jan’s husband, Larry Lipov, who was a loving and devoted son-in-law; his grandchildren Amy Bower (Joseph), Dana McAfee (Weston), Michael Foster, Edwin “Win” Lipov, and Halle Lipov; three great-grandchildren, Barbara Pearlstine Bower, Dorothy Williams Bower, and Beau Fisher McAfee; and his nieces Cathy Meyerson, Ellen Sheridan, and Carol Rice.

The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers. Lee Alonzo and John Westendorff who were long time friends and supported Edwin until his passing. In addition to Lee and John, Martha Smith, Gwenn King and Lakesia Washington became like family and provided comfort and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Rabbinic Endowment Fund, Charleston Hope Lodge, or a charity of your choice.

Edwin, Mr. Pearlstine, Mr. P., the BudMan, Uncle Bud the Rabbi, Grandad is certainly having an iced cold Budweiser in heaven, and he would want you to raise a cold beer to a life well lived.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, with a burial to follow at the Huguenin Avenue Cemetery. The funeral service will be streamed for those who cannot attend in person at the following link: https://www.kkbe.org/livestream/