William Charles "Chuck" Means

William Charles “Chuck” Means, 75, went home to the Lord on March 9, 2026. He died peacefully after fighting pulmonary fibrosis with the same strength and grace that defined his life. The disease may have stolen his breath, but it never overcame his unwavering faith, good humor, or his deep appreciation and respect for the people who filled his life with love.

Chuck was born on April 20, 1950, to Margaret Wilkes Means and William Evert Means and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He married the love of his life, Susan “Susie” Wallace Means, in 1970, and together they built a life devoted to God, one another, and their children, Lindsay and Chad. For 50 years, Chuck and Susie filled their home, first in Charlotte, and later in Chesterfield County, Virginia, with joy and steadfast love.

Chuck was not an enthusiastic student in his early years at Harding High, though he aspired from a young age to become an architect. He loved to tell the story of sweet-talking a Clemson University admissions director into acceptance as a student. Chuck went on to graduate in 1977 with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Architecture. Professionally, he was known as W. C. “Chuck” Means, AIA, NCARB, NCHA, though the credentials mattered far less to him than the trusted mentors he remembered and credited always, the meaningful projects he saw to fruition, and the lifelong partnerships he cultivated.

Chuck’s partnership in HKS, Inc. was the highlight of his career, and his colleagues were true friends even in his final days. In 1994, Chuck founded HKS’s Richmond office from his dining room table, eventually managing the firm’s large mid-Atlantic presence until his retirement in 2011. He inspired confidence in his employees and offered guidance without judgment, fostering an office culture that felt like family. As a healthcare architect, Chuck designed spaces dedicated not only to clinical excellence but, more importantly, to patient well-being and healing. His professional achievements were a natural reflection of his personal dedication to serving and uplifting the people and world around him.

Standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall, Chuck was a leader whose presence commanded attention. But in his humble way, he sought instead to direct attention to the glory of God, from whom all blessings flow. Faith was the foundation of Chuck’s life. He spent time each morning in Scripture, always seeking to grow his relationship with his Lord and Savior. He freely shared his faith through his words and actions, inviting everyone to follow Jesus. His most fervent desire was that he will see everyone again one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Joy and peace were Chuck’s perennial pursuits. He delighted in his children and grandchildren—not in their accomplishments, but in their spirits and presence. Despite a hectic travel schedule, he attended every sports match and chorus concert and stayed in touch through the 1990s from his omnipresent car phone. He enjoyed golfing, bird hunting, and working in his yard. Win or lose, Clemson Tiger football had his heart. He detested the South Carolina Gamecocks and never let you forget it. In his final years, he poured his talent into painting and drawing, and he particularly loved surprising friends with portraits of their pets. Chuck appreciated right angles and straight lines, Motown music and traditional hymns, and Hardee’s biscuits and Buz and Ned’s ribs. He was a gifted storyteller, often (and proudly) blurring facts to suit his narrative.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Susie; his parents; his sister, Carolyn Suzanne Means; and his beloved granddaughter, Laura Grace Pickral.

He is survived by his children, Lindsay Means Pickral (George) and Charles Wilkes Means (Kimberly); his grandchildren, Van, Charlotte, Evie, June, and Rowan; his sisters, Carmen Hatley and Rosemary McKnight, and their families; his cousin Robbie Estes; his sister-in-law, Anne Sharp, and her family; and his loyal dog Jake.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Chuck’s community of devoted friends and helpers who supported him lovingly following his move to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, in 2022 and throughout his illness: his Sea Trail neighbors, Asbury Methodist Church community, Jake’s carers, Seniors Helping Seniors, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice, and many, many others.

A service of death and resurrection will be held on March 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church, 883 Holden Beach Road, Shallotte, North Carolina 28470, where a reception and visitation will follow. A celebration of life will take place in May in Midlothian, Virginia. Additional details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck requested that donations be made to the Asbury Methodist Church Future Home fund at https://asburymethodistchurch.org or the Shepherd’s Center of Chesterfield at https://shepcenter.org/.