Joseph W. Rourk, Sr.

Joseph William "Buddy" Rourk, Sr., 83, of North Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Saturday, April 30, 2022. His funeral service will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, in The City of North Charleston Athletic Center, 5794 Casper Padgett Way at 12:00 pm.  Interment will follow at Riverview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 5, 2022 in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Buddy was born August 28, 1938 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of Elmore Leroy Rourk and Marie Ferira Rourk.  He attended Chicora High School and followed in his family tradition of public service. He served the City of North Charleston as a firefighter for thirty years, beginning in November of 1966, and retiring as Captain in June of 1996.  He was a member of the Islander Shag Club on Folly Beach, the Summerville Shag Club, the Charleston Shag Club as well as a Pivot's member. He was a Life Member of the Elks, and the SC State Firefighters' Association. He was a member of Cherokee Place United Methodist Church.   

He is survived by his sons, Michael Edward Rourk (Debbie) of Hanahan, SC, and Joseph William "Jody" Rourk, Jr. (Donna) of McConnells, SC; step daughter Teresa Fuller of Charleston, SC; four grandchildren, Elmore "Moe" Rourk, Ann Marie Rourk, Keenan Rourk, and Lily Rourk; his sister, Donna Spell (Lonnie) of Moncks Corner, SC, his brother, Elmore L. "Sonny" Rourk, Jr. (Pat) of James Island, SC; and his special companion, Marlee Jamison; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Ann Reed Rourk, and second wife, Sandra Thibault Rourk; and his siblings, Mary Ellen Rourk Miller, and Ronald Eugene (Ronnie) Rourk.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Children's Charity, P. O. Box 30068, Charleston, SC 29417.