Ronald Allen Karst

Ronald Allen Karst, 69, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children.

Born on July 1, 1955, in Charleston, SC, he was a son of (the late) Vilma Rose Karst (Blanton) and Karl Federick Karst, Jr.

To all his friends and family, he was Ronnie or RAK. He was raised, grew up, and lived most of his adult life on James Island, most notably in Riverland Terrace where he formed lifelong friendships that he still has today. He graduated from James Island High School in 1974, and went on to graduate from the College of Charleston in 1979, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He worked in the flooring industry for over 30 years which took him all over the world visiting countries such as Belgium, China, and Japan. 

He loved his “RAK PACK” friends, his family, and his dogs. You could find Ronnie any given day sitting on his patio with Cynthia, with a Gin and Tonic in his hand, and his dogs laying around him. He was an avid grill master, and everyone loved RAK’s Ribs!!  He was a frequent patron of his favorite store, Costco, and because he was often found there shopping, we re-named it KARST-CO!  On most Sunday’s, you could find him swinging a golf club at the Muni Golf Course. His yard was always kept in pristine condition, and won yard of the month multiple times. Ronnie also loved his country and was so proud to be able to vote in this latest election. He also spent many, many Memorial Day weekends with his family and friends at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach.

In addition to his parents, Ronnie is preceded in death by his brother, Steven Karst.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Albright Karst, daughter Lauren Karst, son Ryan Karst, stepdaughter Layne Searson Manos, son in law Bobby Manos, grandsons Layton Karst and Henry Manos, granddaughter Hayes Manos, brother Fred Karst, and sisters Debra Farr, Bonnie Ciuffo, and Stacy Miner.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC, 29412. The service will follow at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronnie’s favorite organizations such as St. Jude’s’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org , MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital musckids.org , and any animal rescue of choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, (843) 614-8494.