Charles Witsell Anderson Obituary

Charles Witsell Anderson

Summerville - It is with deep sorrow that the family of Charles Witsell Anderson, Jr., lovingly known as "Whit," announces his passing on December 8, 2025, in Summerville, South Carolina. He was 96.

Born in St. George, SC, on October 21, 1929, to Charles Witsell Anderson, Sr. and Margaret Delorme Anderson, Whit grew up in Summerville alongside his brother, Billy. He graduated from the Adventure School and began his college journey at Clemson before transferring to Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. It was there he met Frances Anne Carpenter of Charleston, a student at Converse College, who would become his beloved wife of over 70 years. They married on February 28, 1953 at St John's Lutheran Church in Charleston, SC.

After graduating from Wofford, Whit entered active duty with the U.S. Army, serving in the Infantry during the Korean Conflict. His assignments took him to Ft Jackson in Columbia, SC; Scofield Barracks in Honolulu, HI; Columbia, TN; and overseas to Korea and Japan. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1958 as a Captain and continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves for another 14 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Following his military career, Whit and Frances Anne settled in Atlanta, GA, where he joined Ivan Allen Company in the office supply business-engaging in a spirited professional rivalry with his brother Billy, founder of Anderson Office Supply. In 1978, the family relocated to Columbia, SC, where Whit continued with Ivan Allen until his retirement in 1988. Retirement brought joy in gardening, camping trips with the "Vagabond Group," and cherished time at Kiawah Island and Beech Mountain. In 2007, Whit and Frances Anne returned to the Lowcountry, settling at Presbyterian Village in Summerville, where they built lasting friendships and remained active in the community.

Whit and Frances Anne raised six children-Susan Delorme, Gertrude Elizabeth, Charles Witsell Jr., Dwight Carpenter, Jeannette Foster, and Frank William-with love, devotion, and a steady presence through countless dance recitals, sporting events, and school functions.

Faith was a cornerstone of Whit's life. He found deep meaning in church fellowship and service, teaching Sunday school, serving in leadership roles including elder and deacon, and participating in social gatherings. He held dear the communities at Columbia Presbyterian Church (Atlanta), Forest Lake Presbyterian Church (Columbia), and Summerville Presbyterian Church-where he was baptized and later attended.

Beyond his professional, spiritual and family life, Whit was deeply committed to service and civic engagement. As a proud member of Rotary International, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow and received several distinguished awards, including "Service Above Self" and "Rotarian of the Year." He served faithfully as Sergeant-at-Arms and chaired the Spring Valley Nut Sales Committee, bringing energy and leadership to every role. Whit also found joy in public speaking and mentorship through Toastmasters, where he served as club president and inspired others with his thoughtful presence and steady encouragement.

Whit is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Frances Anne; Whit's children: Gertrude Elizabeth Anderson Hince (Tim), Charles Witsell Anderson, III. (Tami), Dwight Carpenter

Anderson (Vicky), Jeannette Anderson Heins (Richie), and Frank William Anderson (Mary); grandchildren: Leeanne Hince Shirley (Daniel), Craig Hince, Stephanie Hince, Rachel Tucker (Adam), Charles Witsell Anderson, IV, Tyler Anderson, Amelia Anderson, Whitney Heins, Andy Heins (Maddi), William Anderson, and Lizzie Anderson; and great-grandchildren: Cooper Shirley and Kylie Shirley; Whit's brother, William (Bill) Delorme Anderson (Nancy) and Bill's children Ellen Adams (Frank) and Robert Pruitt (Celeste).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Witsell Anderson, Sr. and Margaret Delorme Anderson, and his daughter Susan Delorme Anderson.

The family offers its deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of Presbyterian Village in Summerville, whose attentive care and kindness enriched Whit's later years. They also extend sincere appreciation to the compassionate nurses of Agape Hospice, whose gentle presence and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to Whit's final weeks.

Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral service to be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2pm in the Summerville Presbyterian Village Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials to Presbyterian Village in Summerville, Agape Hospice, or Summerville Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

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