Melton "Milton" Peter Demetre

Melton "Milton" Peter Demetre, 80, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Virginia G. Demetre entered into eternal rest Wednesday, October 24, 2018. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 29, 2018 in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street at 11:00 a.m. Interment, Live Oak Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC. DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Milton was born November 27, 1937 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Peter Demetre and the late Ora Lee Melton Demetre. He was a graduate of Porter Military Academy and later graduated from The Citadel, Class of 1960, with an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering. He then served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force for 3 years as the Base Engineer Commander at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Sault St Marie, MI. Upon returning to Charleston, Milton began his career as a Nuclear Engineer at the Charleston Naval Base. At the same time, he began developing a beautiful stretch of land on the Charleston Harbor in James Island. He worked tirelessly and for countless hours filling and creating that land by himself, and in 1990, donated the land to the City of Charleston as James Island's only municipal Charleston park. For his generous donation and hard work, the park was officially dedicated as the Melton Peter Demetre Park in 1997, and has been called by the Mayor "the crown jewel of the Charleston Parks system."

In the 1960s, Milton founded American Metals Company, which was a pioneer company in precious metals refining and became an industry leader. He then fulfilled a life long dream of owning a business and several buildings on King Street in Charleston and opened MP Demetre Jewelers. Through his hard work and dedication, MP Demetre Jewelers became and remains a nationally recognized, luxury jeweler, whose success was an integral part of the revitalization of King Street. He continued to work 6 days a week at the jewelry store until his passing.

Milton also had a lifelong passion for historical renovation and preservation, and he had a true talent and eye for creating architectural beauty. Some of his projects in historical downtown Charleston have been featured in national magazines and on television. Milton has been lauded and credited by many of Charleston's current business leaders as a mentor and inspiration for what hard work and determination can achieve. He leaves a true legacy as a Charleston business leader, historical preservationist, and philanthropist.

Milton's favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially his three grandchildren, whom he adored.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia G. Demetre; son Peter M. Demetre (Meredith); grandchildren Andrew, Thomas and Emalyn ; son John G. Demetre; brother James P. Demetre; sister Mary Lee Lavelle (John); sister-in-law Mary Larry; brother-in-law John Gatgounis (Lythea); and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law William Larry; sister-in-law Toula Demetre.

Memorials may be made to Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403.