Hopkins Charles

Hopkins (Harry) Gardner Charles
November 23, 1921 - March 8, 2016
Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand community lost one of our brightest, wittiest, and most charming members on the evening of Tuesday March 8, 2016, when Hopkins (Harry) Gardner Charles died following a stroke he had suffered several days earlier. Harry came to Myrtle Beach in 1974 following a long and distinguished career as an Air Force JAG officer. He retired as a full Colonel, and was known exclusively as "Colonel" by his eight adoring grandchildren.
Harry was born in Florence, SC November 23, 1921 and lived there until entering college. His university education was cut short after one year by his joining the US Army Air Corps. He distinguished himself as a B 25 pilot based at a primitive airfield in western China, where he took off on missions to the East. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal
After separating from the service he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, taking full advantage of his circumstances as a remarkably handsome man wearing an Army Air Corps aviator's jacket to class every day. Perhaps the jacket helped him win the affection of a beautiful coed, Jane Bentley of Richmond Virginia. After earning a Juris Doctor, Harry responded to a call to continue serving his country and joined the newly formed U.S. Air Force as a JAG officer. This decision took Harry, Jane and eventually 4 children around the world. Wherever the family set up a home, Harry's children grew up immersed in literature, music and art.
After their move to Myrtle Beach in 1974 Harry and Jane became integral parts of the community. Harry served as Solicitor for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, followed by 12 years on the Myrtle Beach City Council. In both settings he was highly regarded for his evenhanded and pragmatic approach, and for his expertise on issues involving the law. Harry and Jane were both leaders in the Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild, and were instrumental in the development of the Burroughs and Chapin Museum. Harry and Jane were members of Trinity Church in Myrtle Beach.
His last years were spent without his beloved Jane, although surrounded by love and care from friends and family.
Harry was a remarkable person. Those who new him knew of his brilliant mind, his subtle humor, and the driest of wit. His love for music, literature, and art never flagged, and he remained a warm and gracious host until his last days. His family loved him with a passion, and he is greatly missed.
Harry Charles is preceded in death by his wife Jane, who passed away April 4, 2007. He is survived by his four children, Kimbrough B. Charles of Greenville, N.C; Dr. John A. Charles and his wife Harriet of Myrtle Beach, S.C; Dr. Jane M. Charles and her husband Alan Hopkins of Charleston, S.C; and Ann C. Jordan and her husband Michael of Rumson, N.J.
Harry is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Julia, Lillian and Austin Charles, all of Atlanta, GA; Rebecca and Louisa Hopkins both of Charleston, SC; Joseph Jordan of Brooklyn, NY, Caroline Jordan of Steamboat Springs, CO, and Jane Jordan of Savannah, GA.
Services will be held at Trinity Church 3000 North Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, S.C. at 11:00 AM Saturday March 12. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the Name of Harry Charles to the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, 100 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Condolences and memorials can be left at www.msfh.net.