Charles L. Thrift

Charles L. “Blackie” Thrift, 92, of Anderson, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Richard M. Campbell Veteran’s Home after a brief period of declining health. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Joanne C. Thrift, who died February 18, 2012.

Mr. Thrift was born in Ninety Six, the youngest of eight children (one brother and six sisters) of James D. and Martha Frances Luquire Thrift. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He was a graduate of Belton High School, attended Anderson College and worked as an office manager, small business owner and self-employed real estate agent. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class radarman aboard a destroyer.

As an adult, he accepted Christ and became a student of theology and lay minister, which led him to serve as interim pastor at Nell Townsend Presbyterian Church and provide Bible studies at area prisons and the Haven of Rest. He was an active member of North Anderson Baptist Church as long as health permitted.

He is survived by three children and their spouses: Rick and Debbie Thrift of Anderson, Cathy and Bob Sams of Anderson, and Ken and Wendy Thrift of Royston, Ga. He and his wife also served as guardians for a niece and two nephews after the death of their mother Catherine C. Hunter, who was Joanne Thrift’s sister. They are Robert (Dawn) Hunter, of Tennessee, Diane Bobo, wife of Gene Bobo, of Anderson, and Tony Hunter of East Sussex, England.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Jason (Leslie) Thrift of Anderson, Will (Lindsey) Sams of Winter Garden, Fla., Anna (Nathan) Nowell of Easley, Joshua (Tracie) Thrift of Royston, Ga., Dustin (Danielle) Thrift of Elberton, Crystal (Tim) Dwelly of Royston, Summer Thrift of Royston, Katie (Corey) Wilkinson of Summerville, Lori Bobo of Charleston, and Gracie Bobo of Anderson. Mr. Thrift also had 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. at Sullivan-King’s Northeast Chapel on Highway 81 North. Visitation will be from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Pastor Bill Rigsby of North Anderson Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. Grandsons Jason, Will, Joshua, Dustin, Nathan and Christian will serve as pallbearers.

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to North Anderson Baptist Church.

The family is at the home.

Sullivan-King Mortuary of Anderson is in charge of arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.