Charles Rutledge Holmes Jr.

Charles Rutledge Holmes, Jr. SUMTER, SC - Charles Rutledge Holmes, Jr. 67, passed away on December 8, 2014, in Sumter, S.C. Charlie was born on September 15, 1947, in Charleston, SC, the son of the late Charles R. Holmes, MD and the late Lucille Overstreet Holmes. He was raised in Columbia and graduated from A.C. Flora High School in 1965. He attended the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1969. Charlie had a varied career ranging from cameraman at SCETV, chef, business owner, and horticulturist. In 1995 Charlie went to work for the City Sumter, first as the City Arborist, and then as Transportation Coordinator with the Sumter City-County Planning Department until his retirement in 2011. Charlie was a voracious reader and intellect with an ability to discuss a range of topics with an erudition that was a constant source of amazement. He was an inveterate explorer whose travels took him across America, Europe, Mexico, South America and Africa. Of Charlie's many accomplishments in life, his greatest was that of a devoted father and teacher to his beloved son John "Perre" Holmes. In addition to Perre, Charlie is survived by sisters Lucy H. Little (Tommy) of Columbia, and Melissa "Boo" H. White (Tommy) of Sumter, brothers Christopher McG. Holmes (Trish) of Mt. Pleasant and Thomas C. Holmes (Florence) of Highlands, NC, his aunt Helen S. Overstreet, ex-wife Karen Watson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM Sunday, December 14th at Salt and Light Church, 360 Miller Road, Sumter with Rev. Rodney Howard officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sumter County Gallery of Art, 200 Hasel St., Sumter, SC 29150 or to United Ministries of Sumter, P. O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston