Jules Dickson Mappus

Jules Dickson Mappus, fondly known as “Dick,” let nature take its course and transitioned peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughter. 

Dick was born on December 23, 1954, and was hoping to celebrate his 70th birthday with pony rides for the children and grandchildren of family and friends. His son Jules, who he loved dearly, died in February of 2015. He was predeceased by his parents Gladys Dickson Mappus and Julius Henry Mappus. He is survived by his devoted wife, Butler Roberson Mappus; his loving and caring daughter, Katherine Butler Mappus (Alexander Adzima); his sister, Lisbeth Lynne Mappus, MEd, PhD (Ephraim Ulmer) of Columbia; his brother, Robert Stephen Mappus (Jackie) of Charleston; his nephew, Elliott Dickson Mappus, MEng, MD (Piper) of Greenville; his niece, Elizabeth Claire Mappus MSM, PA-C of Winston-Salem; and too many loving, close cousins to name. He had many dear cousins and friends and wanted them to know how very much he cared about them. 

Dick was proud of Charleston, very fond of all Charlestonians, and could tell many stories about everyone. He was known by all for making you laugh with his wacky sense of humor, for his funny antics and for his annual summer tomato runs, all of which will be sorely missed. We have lost a special part of our family, our historian, storyteller and entertainer.

Dick excelled in all sports at the playground level, reaching the state championships in many sports, including the state championship in doubles ping-pong in 1968. He attended Saint Andrews elementary school, first through the sixth grade, and then spent the seventh and eighth grades at Porter Gaud. He continued in the ninth grade at Saint Andrews High School where he graduated in 1973 and was senior class president. While in high school, he made the high school varsity basketball team and lettered in golf.

Dick received his college undergraduate degree in 1977 from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he met wonderful lifelong friends. He had fond memories of the mountain and always cherished his great memories. At Sewanee, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and treasurer of the Jazz Society. He played on the college golf team for his entire four years. Being a member of the Order of the Purple, he enthusiastically supported his alma mater by representing the University of the South as a giving agent and by serving as the president of the Sewanee Club of the Low country. He helped coordinate many gatherings with the vice chancellor, was an avid recruiter, and enjoyed entertaining any Sewanee visitors who came to Charleston.

After graduating, Dick moved to Ohio and joined Claussen Pickles. Then, after working for Claussen, he decided to take a more self-employed route and started a career in life insurance. First, Dick worked exclusively with Hartford and then later pursued a career as an independent life insurance consultant. This pursuit gave him access to many more carriers and enabled him to better serve his clients. Dick also purchased many residential homes which he rented and managed in his later years.

Dick was lifelong members of the Arion, the German Friendly, and the Hibernian Societies. He was a member of the Country Club of Charleston and was a finalist in the Men’s Club Championship in golf.

A memorial service will be held for Dick at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC, at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, followed by visitation at the church afterwards. 

In lieu of flowers, Dick requested that donations be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, where he served a term on church council and took a special interest in the church and its activities.