George Earle Campsen

Mr. George Earle Campsen, Jr., 81, passed away December 14, 2010, surrounded by family members who loved and admired him.

A service celebrating his outstanding life and faith in Jesus Christ will be held at Saint John's Lutheran Church (corner of Clifford and Archdale Streets, Charleston) on Saturday, December 18 at 10:30 am. Interment at Magnolia Cemetery will follow.  Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family at The Citadel Holliday Alumni House (69 Hagood Avenue, Charleston) from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 17.

George Earle Campsen, Jr. was born July 11, 1929 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the son of George Earle Campsen and Estelle Miller Campsen.  He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Myrtle Smith "Snap Shot" Campsen.  George was a man of deep intellect, strong conviction, and impeccable character who possessed an abiding faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He touched many lives through the manner in which he embodied these virtues in every aspect of life.  George was a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church, and faithfully attended East Cooper Baptist Church with his family.

George attended Charleston public schools and graduated from the High School of Charleston in 1947, where he was a member of the football and Golden Gloves boxing teams.  He graduated from The Citadel in 1951.  While attending The Citadel George was captain of the boxing team, a member of the Rifle Team, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Executive Officer of Golf Company, and a recipient of the Washington Light Infantry Medal.  In George's own words he credited The Citadel with, ". . . whatever success I have enjoyed in life."  Upon graduation from The Citadel he served as an officer in the Air Force during the Korean War.   George graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1955, and married his sweetheart, Myrtle Smith Campsen, the same year.

George practiced law on Broad Street in Charleston for over 40 years, specializing in civil litigation.  He was an exceptionally persuasive, passionate and effective advocate for his clients.  In 1961 George founded and served as President of Fort Sumter Tours, Inc. which transports visitors to Fort Sumter National Monument where the Civil War began.  He later founded SpiritLine Cruises, LLC, which operates dinner cruises, harbor tours and charter vessels in Charleston Harbor.  

George served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1958 to 1964. He was Chairman of a joint legislative committee that reformed South Carolina's criminal laws, Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee, and Secretary of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.  George was an effective and prolific legislator.  During the 94th session of the General Assembly he authored more bills that became law than any other member of the House of Representatives.

Upon completing his legislative service Governor McNair appointed George as Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee, where he served until 1971.  He led efforts to restructure the committee into the current Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. In 1964 George served as South Carolina Co-Chairman of the Goldwater Presidential Campaign, and in 1972 served as Chairman of the Re-Elect Thurmond Committee for the 1st Congressional District.

George served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations, including the South Carolina State Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Chamber of Commerce (Vice President), Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (Chairman and charter member), Patriots Point Development Authority (founding member), Executive Association of Greater Charleston (past President), National Park Hospitality Association, Trident Economic Development Authority, and Roper Foundation.  Social and civic organizations George was involved in include the Citadel Alumni Association, Hibernian Society, German Friendly Society, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Carolina Yacht Club, and Friends Roundtable.

George was a consummate outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the Lowcountry.  As a Volunteer Department of Natural Resources officer he helped manage Caper's Island, where he loved to surf fish.

During his long illness he was especially thankful for the love and care afforded him by his children, his faithful friend and caregiver Barbara Brown, and the other fine ladies who tenderly assisted him. 

He is survived by four children: Cynthia Campsen Mosteller and her husband William Richard Mosteller, Terrye Campsen Seckinger and her husband Robert Stanley Seckinger, Senator George Earle "Chip" Campsen III and his wife Lalla Lee Laffitte Campsen, and Richard Dewitt Campsen and his wife Elizabeth Salvo Campsen.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Cynthia Brooke Mosteller, Caroline Grace Mosteller, Melinda Grayson Mosteller, Trevor Ray Seckinger and his wife Jess Terry Seckinger, Trenton Campsen Seckinger, John Stanton Seckinger, George Earle Campsen IV, and Boyce Lightsey Campsen. His children and grandchildren consider it a great blessing and privilege to have had him as a father and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Citadel Foundation (171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409; https://foundation.citadel.edu), the Roper Foundation (125 Doughty Street, Suite 790, Charleston, SC 29403; www.rsfh.com), or the Franke Home at Seaside (1885 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; www.frankeatseaside.org). 

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Chapel (232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401). Memorial messages may be written to the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com.  You may visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths.