Mr. Charles M. Luce Jr.

Charles McCabe Luce, Jr., a dedicated and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the age of 92, while living at the Carroll Campbell Place facility in Lexington, South Carolina.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin, SC for many years. He participated in the R.C.I.A program, the Mens Club and other ministries. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbia Council 16903.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Renee McKinney (Alfonso) of Melbourne, FL, William Martin Luce (Mary) of Gilbert, SC, Cynthia Anne Bellamy of Elgin, SC and David Edward Luce of Gaston, SC; he is also survived by his grandchildren, Leah Faison, Johnathan McKinney, Michelle Shealy, Nicole Morales, Cameron Bellamy, Kristina Bellamy, Brooke Luce, Amanda Hollis and Alyxandria Luce; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his sister, Dorothy Hoos.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothea Luce; two sons, Stephen Charles Luce and Mark Richard Luce; as well as his sister, Roberta Luce.

Chuck, as he was known to his friends, was born on March 11, 1931 in Port Huron, Michigan. His father, Charles McCabe Luce, Sr. and his mother, Dorothy Martin Luce were proud parents of three children. Chuck was the middle child and the only boy. He enjoyed life in his small town, delivered newspapers and excelled in athletics at Port Huron High School. After graduating from high school, he set his sights on going to the United States Military Academy, in West Point, New York. He began his collegiate career in 1950 at West Point, graduated with his Bachelors of Science in June 1954 and became an Infantry Officer. Later, he went on to receive his Masters of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

While at West Point, Chuck met the love of his life, Dorothea (Dot) Leveille on a blind date on November 3, 1951 at football game at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The Army Knights lost the football game 28-6 that night but Chuck was the real “winner”. He and Dot began a wonderful, loving journey that lasted more than 68 years. They dated from 1951-1954 and married on Sunday, June 12, 1954.

Their love for one another was firmly founded in their Catholic faith and service to others and our country. Army life took them to many places during Chuck’s 20 years of service; Germany, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, Wisconsin, Virginia and South Carolina. Chuck served our country in Vietnam from 1964-1965 as a Military Advisor to the government of South Vietnam. Together they raised their six children and changed duty stations every 3 years. Trips to the park, cookouts, family times with cousins and grandparents filled his heart with great memories. As an avid photographer, he documented the fun along the way; his slideshows were the BEST!

In 1974, Chuck retired as a Lt. Col and began the next phase of his life. Having been blessed with two sons with Down Syndrome, Chuck’s passion for helping other with special needs led him to become the Director of Public Affairs for the Department of Mental Retardation in Columbia, SC. From 1982-1986, Chuck and Dot pursued a dream and created their own firm called Charles M. Luce & Associates, Public Relations Consulting Firm. Chuck taught public relations/journalism classes at Webster University on Ft. Jackson, lectured at many colleges and was involved with many church activities.

Chuck was a man of service to others; the hands and feet of Jesus. Chuck served as the Executive Director of the National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry (NAflM), a national organization dedicated to the inclusion of all persons with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) into the Church. Whether he served food to the hungry, helped those less fortunate, supported families in need, encouraged anyone he met, he did it for the Lord. He leaves a legacy as a humble man, a peacemaker through his actions and personality. Chuck spoke of God’s peace often.

John 4:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Colossians 3:15 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Luce family.