Charles Alfred Marthers, Jr., 87, of Columbia, died Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Born in Norwich, CT, on April 20, 1927, he was a son of the late Charles A. and Sarah Newton Marthers. Mr. Marthers was a veteran of the US Navy. He was a member the Acacia Masonic Lodge #96, The Scottish Rite, the Order of the Eastern Star, #59, Supreme Council of the Order of the Amaranth, and the Jamil Temple. Charles was a talented musician who loved to share his gift with others.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby G. Nelson; sons, John Marthers (Grace Elaine), and Wendell Marthers (Deborah); daughters, Debra Nelson, and Sylvia Nelson-Campbell (James); grandchildren, Josh Marthers, Ben Marthers, Charlee Marthers, David Marthers, Shawn Marthers, Melissa Marthers, Jake Marthers, Zachary Nelson-Campbell (Arielyn Ferrell), Colleen Nelson-Campbell, and Amber Nelson-Campbell, and Jerry Ruck; and great-grandchildren, Cali Marthers, Kylie Campbell, and Christian Marthers. He is also survived by his "boys", beloved dogs, Birdie and Sam. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Marie Marthers; son, Charles Marthers, III; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Stapler; and grandson, Tony Ruck.

A funeral service for Mr. Marthers will be held at 2 o'clock, Sunday, February 8th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr, Columbia, with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 until 6 o'clock on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, PO Box 9571, Columbia, SC, 29209. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Palmetto Health Richland, the Brian Center, and Agape Hospice for their wonderful and loving care.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.