Kimbrough Bentley Charles

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved brother, Kimbrough Bentley Charles, on Thursday June 20, 2024, in Orlando FL, succumbing to complications of melanoma. He was surrounded by loving family as he passed. He was 2 months shy of his 75th birthday. 

He leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, profound intelligence, a passion for learning, a deep love for his family and friends, and a profound and deep love for God.

Born on August 3, 1949, Kim spent his formative years growing up in a close-knit military family, spending a number of his childhood years in France and Japan. He graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina and attended seminary before following in his father’s footsteps with a career in military service. He travelled the world as a member of Army Field Intelligence, including deployment to the middle east as part of Operation Desert Storm.

After his distinguished military service, he obtained a master’s degree in history and taught at the university level.

Kim was well known for his sharp mind and a deep love for learning, always eager to expand his knowledge and share his wisdom with those around him. He is fondly remembered for his dry wit, love of sharing bad puns, and for rarely being more than 5 feet from a book of history or philosophy. 

A person of great faith and commitment to the Lord, Kim was a beloved member of Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston.

Kim is predeceased by his father Colonel Hopkins “Harry” Charles and his mother Jane Bentley Charles, both of Myrtle Beach SC. He is survived by 3 siblings, John Charles and his wife Harriet of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jane Charles and her husband Alan Hopkins of Charleston, and Ann Charles Jordan and her husband Michael 

Jordan of Myrtle Beach, SC. He is also survived by seven loving nieces and nephews: Julia Charles, Lillian Charles, and Austin Charles of Atlanta; Rebecca Hopkins of Charleston, and Louisa Hopkins Stitt of Monterey CA; Joseph Jordan of Pinehurst NC, Caroline Jordan Fragale and Jane Jordan of Monmouth Beach, NJ; and grand niece and nephew Sophia and Arthur Jordan of Southern Pines, NC

Kim left us just 8 days before a joyfully anticipated wedding ceremony to his beloved Lourdes Figueroa. A Christian marriage ceremony was performed in hospital June 20.

His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of strength and knowledge will continue to inspire us all. Above all he is remembered as a soldier, with a warrior’s heart and deep dedication to serving God and his country.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston on Saturday July 6, 2024, at 11 AM, followed by inurnment at the Grace Church Cathedral columbarium. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kim’s name are welcome at Grace Church Cathedral https://www.gracechurchcharleston.org/content.cfm?id=9071 Or to The Yellow Ribbon Fund for assisting families of military personnel during medical crisis, https://yellowribbonfund.org/ 

You may use this link the day of the service to access the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/user/GraceChurchChrlstn