Dr. Michael Lawrence Runey III

Dr. Michael Lawrence Runey III, 70, husband of Audrey Meyer Runey, of Charleston, South Carolina died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. The relatives and friends of Dr. and Mrs. Michael L. Runey III are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 17, 2017, at The Citadel. The Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery will follow at a later date. The family will receive friends from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM, Thursday evening, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway.  Dr. Runey was born July 3, 1946 in Charleston, SC, the oldest of seven children, to the late Colonel Michael Lawrence Runey, Jr. and Elsie Condon Runey, both of Charleston. Michael grew up playing sports and games around the Hampton Park area with so many wonderful family members and friends.  They became known as the "Hampton Park Kids" and so many still remained close with him until the very end.  He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, then moved on to Bishop England High School, where he was a member of the school’s only Boy’s State Basketball Championship in 1963. He was also the quarterback on the football team. It was in high school that Michael met Audrey, who was the love of his life and his soulmate. After graduating from Bishop England in 1964, Michael entered The Citadel on a football scholarship, where he would graduate with a degree in Pre-Med in 1968.  Upon graduation from The Citadel, Michael served 3 years in the US Army and obtained the rank of Captain. After completion of his military service, Michael entered MUSC College of Dentistry, where he graduated in the school’s second class in 1971. After MUSC, Michael entered West Virginia Orthodontic School, where he graduated in 1976.  Eager to get back to his beloved Charleston, Michael started practicing Orthodontics and raising his two young children, Melissa and Michael IV. He had practices in West Ashley, Summerville and Walterboro for almost 40 years, where he made beautiful smiles on many faces throughout the Lowcountry. While Orthodontics was his profession, Michael's real "job" was spending time with his family and friends and living his Catholic faith. Michael was truly a special gift from God who made all those around him better. He lived by his favorite motto every day "that it is so much better to give to others than receive.” Michael was one of the most loyal, honest, and genuine people out there. He never met a stranger and he always tried to do the little things to make a difference for someone else. Michael belonged to the Hibernian Society, Charleston Dental Society, Charleston Orthodontic Association, the Citadel Alumni Association of Men, The Bishop England Triple B Club, and the College of Charleston Cougar Club. He was a very humble man, and he was known for finding the good in everyone and everyone finding the good in him.  The happiest times for Michael were spent with his grandkids, who he called the "Fab Five". They were his pride and joy. Michael loved watching them grow up and spending all the time he could with them.  Michael and Audrey loved taking them to their sporting events, school functions, or their beloved Edisto, where they made many wonderful memories together. Besides his faith and family, Michael also enjoyed athletics, fishing, and working in his yard.  Even after being diagnosed with cancer several times, Michael didn't let it beat him. Not once did Michael complain or feel sorry for himself, but he knew it was God's plan. Michael chose to fight harder and give even more love to all of his family and friends. Michael's family would like to thank all of his wonderful friends, the staff at Roper Hospital, Charleston Hematology Oncology Associates, his amazing and professional team of doctors and the countless members of Roper Hospice, that gave him so much love and support during his battles with his cancers. Also, a special thanks to his nurse, Sharon Hutchinson. We simply could not have done it without each one of you. We are grateful that his wishes were granted, and he left this world with dignity and peace in our home, overlooking the creek. In addition to his wife, Audrey Meyer Runey, Michael is survived by his two children, Melissa Runey DeMarco (Steve) of Daniel Island, SC and Michael Lawrence Runey IV (Martha Kent) of Charleston, SC. The real joy of his life was his grandchildren (THE FAB FIVE), who are going to miss their PAPA but NEVER EVER forget him; Alexis DeMarco, Isabella DeMarco, Olivia Demarco, Sophia DeMarco and Michael Lawrence Runey V. He is also survived by Joseph F. Runey (Aubyn), Alma Runey, Leon Runey (Renee), David Runey (Desi), Pat Runey (Donna), and Paul Runey (Patty) all of Charleston; his brothers in law, Frank Meyer (Carol), sisters in law, Lynda Wall (John), and Janice Georget (Luc), all of Charleston.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Michael Lawrence Runey III Scholarship Fund at Bishop England High School.