Charles Frank Schmaus, 81, of North Myrtle Beach, passed away peacefully Friday October 10, 2025.

Formerly of Lexington, VA, Charlie was born in Kittaning, PA the son of the late Charles A. Schmaus and Hedwig J. (Reich) Schmaus.

He excelled in basketball, football, golf and tennis. He was also an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan. Charlie was a retired All-American basketball coach and player. After a three-sport career at the Virgina Military Institute, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in the fourth round of the 1966 NBA draft. Following a brief stint in the US Air Force, Charlie returned to VMI for six years as head basketball coach in which he most famously led the 1976 - 77 team to a 26 - 4 season which included a Southern Conference regular season and tournament championship as well as a trip to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

In addition to his parents, Charlie is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Ronnie and Jon Armstrong and his in laws, Ronald & Charlotte Macdonald.

Survivors include, his former wife and best friend, Jean Schmaus of Myrtle Beach, SC; daughter, Karen Lynn Schmaus of Kernersville, NC; son, Donald Alen Schmaus of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandson, Ethan Schmaus of Myrtle Beach, SC; nephew, Jon D. Armstrong of Columbia, SC.

A Celebration of Charlie's Life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday November 4, 2025, at Burroughs Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.

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Recent Activity

Yesterday

Nancy Terrell posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Karen Vose posted to the memorial.

October 20, 2025

Debbie Kuhar posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Nancy Terrell

Yesterday

Charlie was my best friend -most women have women best friends, I had Charlie! He was always there for me- helped me learn real estate and golf!! He gave me a shirt that said, "you ain´t got nothing, if u don´t got the swing´ ! I am never throwing it out, even tho I know it came from a second hand shop he frequented!

Karen Vose

Yesterday

So very sorry to hear of Chuckie´s passing. Chuckie and I were cousins, as my mom, Irma, and his mom were sisters. My sympathy to Chuckie´s family.

Debbie Kuhar

October 20, 2025

I will miss my cousin, Chuckie. We often would kid that he was my "God-brother" since U.Chuck and A.Het were my God-parents. Chuckie will always have a special place in my heart. May he Rest In Peace.

Charles Gardner '74

October 20, 2025

He was a legend. I remember him first as the basketball coach at VMI while I was a cadet. We just had a feeling that things were looking up after he git there

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Kevin Davis

October 20, 2025

Rest in Peace, Coach, you gave the Keydets and their faithful great memories.

Kenneth Coleman

October 20, 2025

So sorry. A great man, fun loving and dedicated. I was honored to be the Roundball President during his coaching career at VMI and we had some great times.

Mike Strickler

October 19, 2025

My oldest brother graduated in 1962 from VMI. I can vividly remember listening on the radio in Virginia Beach, with my best high school friend, to the VMI vs Davidson game in the semifinals of the 1964 Southern Conference basketball tournament. At the end Charlie tapped in a missed shot by Bill Blair giving the Keydets an 82-81 win over the nationally ranked Wildcats. With Charlie leading the way, VMI defeated George Washington in the finals for the SC championship. My middle brother also graduated from VMI in 1968 as did I in 1971. In 1977 I became sports information director at VMI and had the privilege to serve as Charlie's SID for four years. My wife and I were fortunate to be friends with Charlie and Jean. What a pleasure it was to have them be part of our lives.

Mike Strickler '71
VMI SID 1977-92

Andy Thomas

October 19, 2025

Charlie worked at Century 21 Thomas for 20 plus years, and was a staple for much of that time. He touched clients, and co-workers alike. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Sandra Smith

October 19, 2025

To Charlie's family, we are sorry to hear of his passing. I am a cousin of Chuckie's. Sandy Dodds Smith, my Mom, Irma, was sister to Chuckie's Mom, Het. We have great memories growing up in the Reich family. Lots of fun in those early days when we were all kids. Our condolences to you all, Sandy and Darrel Smith

Bill Kovacik Jr.

October 18, 2025

So sad to hear about the passing of our cousin Chuckie/Charlie Schmaus. As a kid I always looked up to him, (both) because of his height, and his athletic accomplishments. His smile and laugh will be missed. Another of our large extended "Family Reich" has passed.

"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you."
- Shannon Alder

Dan Benigni

October 18, 2025

I grew up with Chuckie. He was my cousin as his mom and my mom were sisters. My condolences to his family.
Dan Benigni

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services

3558 Old Kings Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576