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Fitzhugh Nicholson Hamrick

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Fitzhugh Hamrick Obituary

Fitzhugh Nicholson Hamrick CHARLESTON - Dr. Fitzhugh Nicholson Hamrick, Charleston dentist, MUSC College of Dental Medicine faculty member, and Charleston fine arts supporter, died on May 23, 2014 at his Charleston home. Dr. Hamrick was born on April 13, 1926 in Fountain Inn, S.C. but moved to Charleston at six weeks old, and lived in Charleston the rest of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Thomas Hamrick, and Myrtle Hamrick Hamrick, his two brothers, John Asa Hamrick and Clarence Thomas "Buddy" Hamrick, Jr., and his sister, Marjorie Hamrick Borom. Dr. Hamrick attended the Charleston Schools, the College of Charleston, and graduated from the University of Louisville, School of Dentistry in 1947 at the age of 21. After a year's residency, he served his country as a Navy dentist from 1948 until 1952. He joined his father and his brother Buddy in their practice on Wentworth Street in downtown Charleston. He practiced dentistry there until 1985, when he joined the MUSC College of Dental Medicine faculty until 1997. Dr. Hamrick enjoyed his calling as a dentist, and the families he came to know through his practice. He was involved in the Charleston and South Carolina Dental Associations, and was a delegate to the American Dental Association for over 13 years. Dr. Hamrick early realized the need for medical and dental education in the lower part of the state. He appeared before the legislature to speak of that need, and to champion the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in Charleston. After the founding of the dental school, he began teaching part-time as a clinical faculty member in 1970, and joined the school as a full-time teacher and administrator in 1985. He served as a lecturer and associate professor, but also was the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Director of Admissions. He enjoyed his role as an encourager and mentor to young dentists and claimed that South Carolina dentists surpass the rest of the country. Dr. Hamrick was also an enthusiastic member of the Charleston fine arts community. He was the President of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Association and of the Charleston Concert Association. South Carolina was planning a yearlong Tricentennial Celebration and in the two years before this, special events were being planned for the whole state. In 1968, Dr. Hamrick, Mayor Palmer Gaillard, and the Charleston Symphony Association had a desire for Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" to be performed in Charleston for the first time during the Tricentennial Celebration. One of the stipulations of the performance was that the audiences be fully integrated, and in Charleston, at that time, they still were not. Dr. Hamrick met with the descendants of George Gershwin and requested that "Porgy and Bess" be allowed to be performed in Charleston, and gave them his word that the audience would be fully integrated. The family consented, and "Porgy and Bess" was performed in 1970 in Charleston, the place where the story actually takes place. The cast was completely made up of local amateur Charlestonians, from young to old, and directed by Ella Gerber from New York. Dr. Hamrick went to the auditions, and attended every rehearsal, usually accompanied by his wife or one of his four children. "Porgy and Bess" was the first event in the Gaillard Memorial Auditorium, and also the first integrated event of its kind in Charleston. It was sold out every night for two weeks and those who were there overwhelmingly enjoyed the experience and the celebration. Dr. Hamrick looked back at this with joy his entire life. Dr. Hamrick was committed to Christ and an enthusiastic supporter of the church and the ministries there. He was a member of Grace Church, where he had served as a member of the vestry. He will be remembered for his strong faith, his love of family, his generosity, and his enthusiastic love of people. He truly never met a stranger. Most of them he and Nancy invited to dinner in their home. Dr. Hamrick is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Hart Miller Hamrick and their four children, Hart Deal (Jeff), Margery Walters (Peter), Druid Joyner (Sam) and Fitz Hamrick (Monica). They have thirteen grandchildren, Russell Deal (Katherine), Nancy Hart Deal Wicker (Josh), Grace Deal Greene (Chris), Andrew Deal, Corrie Walters Voss (Matt), Sydney Walters, Samuel Joyner (Ruthie), Thomas Fitzhugh Joyner (Rebecca), Meriwether Joyner, Mia Joyner, Jackson Hamrick, Julia Hamrick, and Mary Hamrick. They also have five great grandchildren, Willow Wicker, Joseph, P.K. and Eliza Deal, and Fitzhugh Joyner. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 28th at 3PM at Grace Episcopal Church, 98 Wentworth St. The family will greet friends in the sanctuary immediately following the service. Any memorial gifts may be made to the Music Fund at Grace Church, First Baptist Church School of Charleston, or the Star Gospel Mission. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from May 24 to May 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Fitzhugh Hamrick

21 Entries

Susan Polk

May 19, 2021

My goodness- I can hear him say! I had no idea if his involvement with Porgy and Bess! I was living on Columbia at the time of this performance and my parents took our family to go see it! I was 9 years old! Gosh/ what a legacy both Fitzhugh and Nancy Hart left behind. I met them when I was a member of Grace Episcopal Church from 1997-2002. Loved them both so much. Thank you so much for such a beautiful and historical obituary. How interesting their lives were!

Todd Lawry

July 28, 2014

Dear Mrs. Hamrick, Both you and your husband opened your home to me when I was a medical student at MUSC. You took me to the beach, to your church, made me beautiful meals and invited me into your family. I was from Massachusetts, and you made me feel like I wasn't alone. Now, over 24 years later, I'm so saddened to hear that he is no longer with us. A kinder man I have never known (and never will). Todd Lawry, MD

June 1, 2014

Dear Nancy, Hart, Druid, Fitz and all of the wonderful extended family of Fitzhugh,
It is with a deeply saddened heart that I am just hearing of Fitzhugh's death, and wanted to let you know that my heart and prayers are with you all. Fitzhugh and Nancy and family were always so welcoming and loving to me and my daughter in Charleston, as they always were with my mom and dad growing up. I feel we have lost a great man to this world and know that the next world embraces him with loving arms. I am sure momma is happy to see him again too! Please know that dad sends his love and condolences as well.

With much love,
Lynn McKnight, Heather Jones, and Edgar McKnight
864-395-3626

May 29, 2014

What an awesome man.... He was my dentist as a kid, my mentor as a dental student and my friend in life... I will surely miss him... God has called home a warrior...

Newman McGarity

May 29, 2014

I was so sad to hear about Dr. Hamrick's passing. He was very instrumental in my interest and acceptance to CODM. As president of my class I spent many pleasant mentoring conversations with him. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. My sincerest condolences go to his family.

Marie Lambert

May 28, 2014

Heartfelt sympathy to the whole Hamrick clan. He was truly a kind, generous southern gentleman. May God bless and keep you all. And may His mercy bring you peace. With Love, Marie Waters Lambert

May 28, 2014

May 28,2014

Dear Mrs. Nancy Hamrick and Hamrick Family,

Fitz was one of the greatest persons I've ever met. He meant so much to me. When I came to interview for the job here at MUSC, Fitz was the first person that interviewed me. He immediately put me at ease and I credit him for the job I currently have. He was always a joy to be around. He lit up the room with his personality and his humility. His love for dentistry and his love for Charleston history were always present. He and I had many wonderful talks and times together. He will always be appreciated and truly missed by me and many of my colleagues.

Harry and Joan Hutchins

May 27, 2014

Dear Aunt Nancy, Hart, Margery, Druid, and Fitz;
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a beloved member and part of our family as well as yours. I have loved Uncle Fitzhugh all my life, and will certainly miss him. Thank you, Aunt Nancy and Hart, for coming to Dad's funeral last December, but unfortunately I will be working during the funeral on Wednesday and cannot make it. My heartfelt sympathies, and know that he is not only with his family, but also with his FATHER. Take care and love to all,
Kathy Howell

Hank and Johanna Voss

May 27, 2014

Margery & Peter and family:
By all accounts, an amazing man! We see his legacy through your family and are personally blessed by it (as extended members now through marriage)! Our deepest condolences...may God give you all you need in Christ Jesus.
Love,
Hank & Johanna Voss family

Ann Sonnycalf

May 27, 2014

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Peter Kobes

May 27, 2014

He will be so missed. A great man is now in the arms of Jesus.
Peter and Linda Kobes

Tariq Javed

May 27, 2014

Dear Mrs. Nancy Hamrick and Hamrick Family:
We learned with great sadness the passing of Dr. Fitzhugh Hamrick, but we know that he lived a life full of purpose with helping others as the objective of his life. He was my mentor and guided me in many professional and personal matters, and we chatted almost daily for many years. We will forever be grateful to Dr. Hamrick , Mrs. Nancy Hamrick, and the Hamrick family for their special friendship and kindness.
Most affectionately,
Tariq and Ghazala Javed

Mark and Kristy Barry

May 27, 2014

Nancy,
Kristy and I are deeply saddened by Fitzhugh's passing. He was truly a gentleman and follower of Christ. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Hamrick family. I remember with fondness the dinner we had with you and Fitzhugh at the 1992 ADA meeting in Orlando. Your friendship will always be treasured. God Bless you. Much love.

Fred Files

May 26, 2014

I guess I thought Dr. Fitzhugh would be with us a lot longer. He was one of the most friendly people I have ever known. I will miss him as I miss his older brothers. What a tremendous legacy he leaves.

Dianne & Art Earp

May 26, 2014

Nancy, Hart, Druid, and Fitz: It was with great sadness that we learned of Fitzhugh's death. He was such a gentle, kind, and loving person. He was a faithful supporter of First Baptist Church School, and went so much to me and Di, when I was Headmaster. He a great conversationalist and always made you feel at ease, and was genuinely interested in what you had to say. He was such a positive influence in so many lives and lead as an example of being a good husband, father, and friend. We were honored to call him "friend." With all our love, Dianne and Art Earp

Candy Elmore

May 26, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of loss. I wish that I could have met Dr. Hamrick - he must have been a truly remarkable man and I know that his legacy of faith continues on
in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Our prayers are with you all. With love, Gary and Candy Elmore, Kodiak, Alaska (Friend of Margery's from WPB, FL)

May 25, 2014

Dear Hamrick Family,
Jim and I first met Fitzhugh in 1994 when he visited Margery and Peter in Canyon, Texas. From the start it was a joy to know him and Nancy and we valued the example they set as long-time followers of Christ.
We mourn the loss with you at this time.
Please know that we are praying for you and will be thinking of you especially on Wednesday.
Love,
Heather and Jim Sells

Kay Foster

May 25, 2014

Nancy and family. Our family sends its deepest sympathy. What a wonderful legacy Fitzhugh left and how wonderful to have had so many great years together ....although never enough. So nice to see you recently while in Charleston. Kay Floyd foster

Lt. Col. and Mrs. Peter Wright

May 25, 2014

Uncle Fitzhugh, as we, of my generation called him, was actually an older cousin to us. He was dearly loved and respected by us all, and will be so very missed, but he will be forever alive in our hearts. God be with his precious family. Love, Ann Barry Wright

Jean Hamilton

May 25, 2014

Dear Hart,
Your dear father.....you are missing him so much as the rest of us get to read about his life. I especially loved knowing about his desire to have Porgy and Bess performed to an integrated audience. We had just moved to Charleston and that performance is a sweet memory for me. Much love, Jean

Kathy Atkinson

May 25, 2014

I have just read Dr. Hamrick's obituary and learned many things about him. What a joy it was to know him. Mrs Hamrick, I'm so sorry for your loss. You were both very special to me the years I was in Charleston and I will always hold you dear in my thoughts. Many prayers for you all.

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