Morton Needle

Morton Needle, 81, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Evelyn Sokol Needle, entered into eternal rest Saturday, December 29, 2012. His funeral service will be held at the graveside in Emanu-El Cemetery, Monday, December 31, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. Mr. Needle was born February 14, 1931 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of Joseph Needle and Bertha Rephan Needle.

He was a graduate of The Citadel and attended graduate school at George Washington University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.

Mr. Needle retired as a Developer in real estate. He won many awards for historic preservation, including the Vendue Inn along Waterfront Park, the first self-contained Charleston historic inn. Together with his wife, Evelyn, he owned and operated the hotel for more than 20 years. He also owned Vendue House Antiques on Queen Street in downtown Charleston. Among his noteworthy business endeavors, he developed and built Wraggborough, renovated many historic properties, and built private homes, condominiums, and apartment complexes.

He was a member of Synagogue Emanu-El, KK Beth Elohim , the Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish Benevolent Society. He was honored with the distinction of Realtor Emeritus for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and also The Historic Charleston Foundation.

Morton had many accomplishments in his life, but his greatest accomplishment was his wonderful family. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of 53 years; son, Lawrence J. Needle (Brenda) of Columbia, SC; two daughters: Lynn N. Liss (Brian) of Potomac, MD, Peggy N. Krawcheck (Eric) of Mount Pleasant, SC; and nine grandchildren: Max, Blake, Sophie, JoBeth, Evie, Bette, Rose, Katie and Maddy.

Memorials may be made to Synagogue Emanu-El, 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407, Charleston Jewish Federation, 1645 Raoul Wallenberg, Charleston, SC 29407 or to the Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.

Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.