William Wirt Humphreys

William Wirt Humphreys, 98, of Charleston, South Carolina, widower of Martha Lynch Humphreys, died Thursday, August 15, 2013, after a long illness. His Graveside Service will be held Monday, August 19, 2013, in St. Philip's Churchyard, 142 Church Street, at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends, Sunday, August 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in J. HENRY STUHR DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston.

William was born October 28, 1914, in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Wade Cullen Humphreys and the late Anna Helen Walker. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was an alumnus of the College of Charleston and attended the Harvard Business School. Mr. Humphreys was instrumental in the industrial growth of the Charleston area and the establishment of the industrial parks and technical schools as he served as the Assistant Director and then Director of the Charleston Development Board for four decades. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Charleston, the Charleston Museum Board of Trustees, the Charleston Club, the Agricultural Society of Charleston and St. Philip's Church.

In addition to his wife, William is predeceased by two sisters, Helen Humphreys Maturo and Ruth Humphreys Everett; and a brother, David Humphreys. He is survived by three daughters: Josephine H. Hutcheson (Thomas) of Sullivans Island, SC, daughter, Katherine H. Guckenberger (Wayne) of Sullivans Island, SC, and Margaret Humphreys of Mount Pleasant, SC; five grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403.