Charles Newton Brunson

Charles Newton "Rick" Brunson passed away at his home in Hampton on Saturday afternoon April 9th. Rick, as he was called by everyone, was the son of the late Henry Christopher Brunson and Julia Emily Terry Brunson.

Born in Hampton on August 14, 1944, Rick grew up attending school where he enjoyed playing sports with his many cousins, friends and classmates. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School where he lettered in football, basketball and participated in various other activities.  He then attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from the Massey Business College in Atlanta. Then it was back to his beloved Hampton to assume his role in the family business.

Rick was the president of Brunson Automobile Sales, Inc., a family business that he ran with his father and brother. In 1970 he became the franchise dealer for Pontiac, Cadillac and GMC. Later the franchises for Buick, Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet were added to the dealership.

Lois Ann O'Malley became Rick's wife in 1967, joining him in Hampton from Atlanta. Rick and Lois have two sons, Christopher Bryan Brunson (Kristin) of Charleston and Greggory Martin Brunson (Chrissy) of Beaufort. They have 3 beautiful granddaughters, Ava Brunson of Charleston; and Amelia and Virginia Brunson of Beaufort.

Rick was an avid golfer so it seems fitting that he should pass away while watching the Masters Golf Tournament on television. He loved reminiscing with his life-long buddies about the escapades of their youth. He also enjoyed other hobbies throughout his life such as water skiing, boating, fishing, hunting and playing guitar.  He loved to spend time at Edisto Beach and he was also a devoted Gamecock fan.

Besides his immediate family he leaves behind his older brother, Henry Christopher Brunson, Jr. (Sylvia) ; his older sister Emily Julia Brunson Hiers (Buddy), and a younger sister, Mary Ann Brunson Foy (Bubba), and several nieces and nephews.

Rick was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Hampton. He was a past president of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, and he was voted Time Magazine Automobile Dealer of the Year. He was a former member of the Hampton County Economic Development Board and he also served on the board of the Hampton County Country Club.  Rick retired in 2008 after the sale of his dealership.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, April 14 ^th , at Peeples Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry St. East. Hampton, SC.  All are welcome to attend a grave side service to be held at 11:00 on Friday, April 15 ^th , at the Hampton Cemetery located on Holly St. Extension.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 511 Jackson St. East. Hampton, SC 29924.