Charles Wright Weston, 75, died at Prisma Richland Hospital on Saturday, June 25. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina on May 18, 1947 to Vernon Wylie and Mary Wilbur Weston.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ellen M. Moore of Columbia, and by his beloved dog, Ivy. He was predeceased by his parents and two older brothers, Robert Vernon and Thomas Grier Weston.

Charlie was raised in Charleston and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After serving his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, Charlie worked as a loan officer and branch manager for Citizens and Southern National Bank, now Bank of America.
Charlie made his mark professionally in the fence and security industries. Over a period of more than forty years, he founded and managed three successful companies and was president of the Carolinas Fence Association and the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI), where he also served three years on the board of directors. Additionally, he served two years on the board of governors of the American Fence Association (AFA). In 2013, Charlie was inducted into the American Fence Association Hall of Fame. Charlie was generous with his expertise and time throughout his life. He was the first to offer friendship, understanding, work, and sometimes shelter to friends and family. He touched many lives, and he made them better. Charlie had a special passion for mission work, actively contributing to Habitat for Humanity, South Carolina Special Olympics, and as a board member of Medical Missions, Inc. for whom he led mission trips to Peru. As a long time member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Charlie led missions to Brazil and to New
Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and served as co-leader of Eastminster's Presbyterian Disaster Assistance work group as well as on the Global Missions Committee. He was also a deacon and elder of the church.

The family wishes to thank the nursing and hospice staff at Prisma Richland Hospital for the care Charlie received in his final days. Their empathy and kindness are deeply appreciated.

A service celebrating Charlie's life will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 3:00 P.M. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, with Reverend Doctor Brad Smith officiating. The service will be live-streamed at eastminsterpres.org. A reception will follow for family and friends at the church. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at shivesfuneralhome.com.

For those who wish to honor Charlie with a donation, we ask you to consider contributing to the Eastminster Presbyterian Church Mission Service and Benevolence Committee, or City of Columbia Animal Services at animalservices.columbia.sc.gov, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.