Charles Edward Elder Jr

Charles Edward Elder, Jr., “Chuck”, 58, of Fort Mill, SC, went to be with the Lord, on Thursday, March 14, 2024. He was born on August 26, 1965 in Marathon, FL, the son of Charles Edward Elder and the late Doris Jean Elder.   

Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1985 from Little Rock, Arkansas as an Aircraft Armament System Technician. During his time in service he specialized as a Nuclear Weapon Specialist. He had Top Secret clearance, setting the stage for exceptional integrity. Voluntarily extending his service, Charles served as a Team Leader in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Charles was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Gulf War Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon. Charles was most proud of a recognition given by his commander when he was selected the 410th Bombardment Wing PRIDE Airman of the Month for May 1987. After seven years of service, Charles left the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) to pursue a Bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas.

He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology in 1994. He enjoyed Radiology but Charles’ mom had been a cardiac nurse and he had the desire and ambition to do more. He went on to specialize in cardiology both on the clinical and sales side. Some of his career achievements included being recognized as the #1 Sales Representative at Philips Medical, #1 Cardiology Account Manager in the US in 2020 at GE Healthcare, and most recently #1 Zone Cardiology account manager for 3 consecutive years at GE Healthcare.

When Charles wasn’t working, he was immersed in one of his many hobbies. To say he loved his cars would be an understatement. He spent every chance he had working on his 1996 Mustang Cobra, hunting, golfing, and 4-wheeling. Cycling was also a passion he enjoyed for so many years. If you can imagine an even greater passion, Charles loved music! He was always playing music! He often told the story that when Blake was only 3 years old, Charles was washing his Cobra and playing his music and all of a sudden, Blake started singing the lyrics of the song. It was history from there. Blake developed the same love for music. He took voice and guitar lessons, but mostly taught himself through hours and hours of practice. In Blake’s spare time he is a songwriter and musician. Charles was in awe listening to Blake perform and often teared up not believing that was indeed his son.

All of his hobbies were made more enjoyable with others. His best friends John, Rod, his son Blake and others were usually found by his side while hunting, working on cars, golfing, cycling, 4-wheeling, driving fast cars, and attending music concerts. 

Charles dearly loved his adopted family that Kristy brought into the relationship, her daughter Amanda, her son-in-law, Ruben, Natalia, and Arabella. Charles and Blake also shared a passion for all the same hobbies as Ruben which created a natural bond. Charles became a mentor and a role model to all of them. 

When Charles and Kristy met, it was a whirlwind romance from dating to marriage, as they fell fast in love, a love that will be everlasting. It was evident to all from the beginning that they were meant for each other. He was perfect for her and her for him. They knew each other’s souls like no one else. Kristy was committed from the beginning to be the best wife to Charles and stepmom to Blake she could be. Charles knew what he was doing when he chose Kristy for himself and for Blake. He convinced Kristy to ride bikes with him, even in the mountains, where only a few months after knowing her, he would propose to her on a mountain top. The mountains were their special place for escaping their crazy, busy schedules. 

Of all of Charles’ successes and achievements, his son Blake was his greatest. He was so proud of Blake. There has never been a father who was more committed to being there to be a constant provider, mentor and most important of all, friend to Blake. He always strived to be the best example he could be to Blake. Blake was his number one priority. Charles was the disciplinarian and guide he needed to be when Blake was growing up. He stood by his son in everything he did and stood up for him when nobody else would.  In times of hardship, Charles would be the rock that grounded Blake when everything seemed to be falling apart around him. That commitment  paid off as the years passed and Blake became the incredible young man he is today. The bond and the friendship they shared grew each passing year to be a treasure that any father and son would envy. 

Charles will be remembered as a devoted husband, dad, poppa, brother, uncle, and friend.

Charles is survived by his wife, Kristen Childs Elder, and son Blake Edward Elder, step daughter Amanda (Ruben) Ocampo and two granddaughters, Natalia and Arabella, and his father Charles Edward Elder (Betty), He is also survived by his sister Judy (Rick) Millines, his sister Janet (Patrick) Boylan, 6 nieces and nephews, and 7 great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Palmetto Funeral Home on Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 pm following a visitation.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family who so compassionately have met Kristy, Blake, and Amanda’s needs during this time. Your prayers, heartfelt words, and thoughtful gifts have provided immeasurable comfort.

Even though Charles’ passing was not a result of suicide, Charles and Kristy were deeply affected by the loss of loved ones due to suicide. Memorials may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or to any mental health organization of your choice.  

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