Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

Charles Rivers Obituary

Charles Ford Rivers, Jr. Charleston - Charles Ford Rivers, Jr., M.D., husband of Elizabeth Dufour Rivers, entered into eternal rest at his residence on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Ford was born on July 31, 1926, in Charleston, the son of Charles Ford Rivers and Ella Margaret Moseley Rivers. He graduated from the High School of Charleston, class of 1943; from The Citadel class of 1949 and from the Medical College of South Carolina class of 1953. Ford served in the United States Navy, in the Pacific, 1944-1946, working primarily as an assistant in the Medical Corps. He was married to Elizabeth Louise Dufour on June 21, 1949, in the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, just days after his graduation from The Citadel. Upon completing his education, he began his career as a cardiologist in private practice and retired in 1988. He served on the board of Roper Hospital and as President of the Medical Society of South Carolina. Ford was a long-time member of numerous local societies, including the Arian Society, German Friendly Society, Hibernian Society, New England Society, St. Andrew's Society, Twin Fin Investment Club and the Widows and Orphans Society (past president and chairman of the Benevolent Committee). Ford was a lifelong Episcopalian and former vestryman at the Church of the Holy Communion. He was an enthusiastic sailor (his beloved boats were the Betty R. I, II and III) and a Dixieland drummer with numerous bands, including 'The Alley Cats' of the High School of Charleston and in later years, 'The Med Beats,' a group of local doctors who played for charitable events in Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Kathryn Ann Rivers; a sister, Nell Fraser Rivers Roebuck; and many beloved friends. In addition to his wife of 73 years, Elizabeth Dufour Rivers, he is survived by three children: Elizabeth Dufour Rivers and Charles Ford Rivers III (Beth), of Charleston; Christopher Rivers (Christopher Miller), of Massachusetts; three grandchildren: Charles Ford Rivers IV (Blair); Robert West Rivers and Caroline Rivers Gencdur (Ozgur) all of Charleston; two great-grandaughters, Elizabeth Jean Rivers and Kathryn Grace Rivers; two step-grandchildren: Caroline E. Rhode and James G. Rhode III as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The relatives and friends of Dr. and Mrs. C. Ford Rivers, Jr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Ave. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Online condolences may be made at www.charlestonfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of the Holy Communion Endowment Fund, 218 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29403 (www.holycomm.org) or to the Roper St. Francis Foundation 100 Calhoun St. Suite 210, Charleston, SC 29401 for Hospice. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc., (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Rivers

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

Not sure what to say?





George F Geils Sr MD

January 12, 2023

I just learned of Ford´s passing and am deeply saddened. I feel blessed to have known him as a beloved friend and colleague. His wit, charm, class, and competence as a physician will endure in my memory. He represented the very best of our profession. To Betty and his entire family I express my deepest condolences. George F Geils Sr

Julia Bostick Jones Williams, Savannah, Georgia

October 29, 2022

My late father Benjamin Bostick Jones, III of Savannah was a Citadel classmate of Dr. Rivers and spoke well of him over the years. The Citadel's Class of 1949 produced some brilliant and accomplished men. Our family's condolences are sent to the Rivers' friends and family at this sad time.

Dee Smith

October 27, 2022

Betsy, Chris, and the Rivers family,

My deepest sympathies for you and your family. I´m sorry for your loss.

Debra Hanna

October 25, 2022

Our sympathies are extended to the family of Dr. Rivers. We pray that your many wonderful memories will give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Our family is grateful for the many years he extended our mother’s life with his extraordinary care for her heart disease.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Debbie Hanna

Patrice Edwards-Jones ( Yo's granddaughter)

October 25, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May your precious memories bring you comfort during your bereavement. John and Estelle "Yo" Wright and Family

Chris Sosnowski

October 25, 2022

To Charlie, family and friends -
My condolences for your loss.

Roy DeHaven

October 25, 2022

Dr. Rivers was a constant medical professional who saved so many lives and made a positive impact on families in the Greater Charleston Community. Prayers for his family and many friends.

Diane Meyer

October 25, 2022

My thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie and family. Dr Rivers was my Dad´s doctor a long time ago. One of my favorite doctors. Diane Meyer

Sharon Hills

October 24, 2022

Dr. Rivers grew up behind my grandparents, Leatrice & Leon Hartnett. He cared for them and other family members with care and kindness. We are so sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Rivers's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Rivers

Oct

26

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

Oct

27

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion

218 Ashley Ave, SC

Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Rivers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more