George Hamrick Obituary

George Harper Hamrick, Jr. CHARLESTON - George Harper Hamrick, Jr., 84, of Charleston, husband of Hilda Smith Hamrick, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 11, 2014. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hamrick, Jr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at St. John's Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening Between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. His guestbook may be signed at www.JamesAMcAlister.com. George was born in Mobile, Alabama on October 25, 1930 to the late George Harper Hamrick, Sr. and the late Susan King Hamrick. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Hilda; three daughters Ruthie Hamrick Herrin, Anne Hamrick Davis and husband Wade, Mary Hamrick Hoover and husband Mark, all of Charleston. Six grandchildren Sherry Tahquette and husband Brandon, Megan Davis, Erin Davis, Meredith Hoover, Parrish Hoover and Bridgett Hoover, one great-grandchild Cheyenne Tahquette, all of Charleston, numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and was so very proud of. He is also survived by Maggie, a miniature schnauzer, his constant companion. George was a great husband, father, friend and son who enjoyed a full life despite many setbacks due to contracting polio in 1941 at the age of 10. Living much of his teen years in hospitals, George went on to become a very successful business man. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1950. He loved his years at the College of Charleston, where he was elected president of his class his freshman, sophomore and junior years and ultimately president of the student body his senior year in 1953. Unable to physically play sports, he supported and traveled with the basketball team as their water boy. He began working at the age of 15 in his father's real estate business, located at 35 Broad Street for many years. In 1982, he joined with Betty V. Carter to form Hamrick-Carter Real Estate. In 1963, George was named an "Outstanding Young Man of America". He was previously vice president of the James Island Precinct, president of the James Island Civic Club, president of the James Island Exchange Club, co-chairman of the March of Dimes Campaign, on the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes, on the Charleston Real Estate board of directors, secretary, vice president and president of the Real Estate Board, vice president of the Multiple Listing Service, director of Family Services Agency, a College of Charleston Alumni director and an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church before joining St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Hibernian Society and the Country Club of Charleston. Despite hardships, George's positive and determined attitude contributed to his success as a Realtor, insurance agent and building contractor. He was once quoted as saying, "But basically I've been very fortunate" and referring to his wife and family saying, "So I've had my rewards...it all equals out in the long run". George had a great sense of humor and an incredible love for life. He lived life to its fullest to the very end, reluctantly leaving this world. He was an amazing inspiration to his family and friends, admired by those who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Suzanne Hamrick Clement and brother Sondley Lever Hamrick. Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Restoration Fund 405 King St. Charleston, SC 29403 or Carolina Children's Charity 811 St. Andrews Blvd Charleston, SC 29407. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc., 843-766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston