Charles Dupre

Charles Henry DuPre, 92, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on February 19, 2014. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation, to be held from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A graveside service and burial will follow at 2:30 PM, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307, with the Rev. Dexter Brown officiating. On Friday, the family is at Mr. DuPre's home, 722 Hollywood Street, Spartanburg, and at the Brown home, 5818 Hwy 56, Pauline, SC. Henry DuPre was born October 6, 1921. He was the son of the late Samuel Jervey DuPre, Sr. and Hallie Mathews DuPre. Born in Glendale, SC, he moved to Spartanburg at the age of 5 where he lived the rest of his life. Mr. DuPre graduated from The Citadel (1943) where he ran track, played basketball, and was captain of the tennis team. An avid tennis player, he won the state high school tennis championship, and later won the Spartanburg city championship many times. He was active at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville for many years and loved to tell stories of Mr. Dobson, camp founder. Mr. DuPre started his career as a physical education teacher and referee at Spartanburg High School. He was a homebuilder with Allied Enterprises, as well as an appraiser for the Veterans Administration. In 1972 he built the College Motor Inn, which he owned and operated until 2000. An active member of First Presbyterian Church when his children were young, he taught Sunday school and served as a Deacon. Believing strongly in community service, Mr. DuPre was elected to five terms with the Spartanburg Water Works Commission, where he served proudly for 30 years. At his retirement from the Commission in 1988, it was noted "he was a strong voice for progress in the Spartanburg community during a period of unprecedented growth in the area." He is lovingly remembered for his caring and generosity toward others, a trait that extended to his family, his friends, and many throughout the community. With a wonderful self-effacing sense of humor, he was a master at telling stories and loved a good-natured practical joke. (He also had quite a sweet tooth, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren!) Mr. DuPre was predeceased by his wife, Annie Ruth Burnett DuPre, his second wife, Patricia Willis Hayes DuPre, his son, James Carlisle DuPre (Carol), his stepson, Chuck Hayes, all of Spartanburg. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Eloise DuPre Royall of Mt. Pleasant and Emily DuPre Beattie of Greenville, and his brothers, Samuel Jervey DuPre and John Young DuPre of Spartanburg. He is survived by his daughter, Helen Burnett DuPre Just; two sons, Charles Henry DuPre, Jr. (Connie) of Greenville and John Young DuPre (Patsy) of Hendersonville; step daughters, Susan Hayes Brown (Greg) of Pauline and Lisa Hayes Williams (Gregg) of Connecticut; sister, Lila DuPre Donaldson of Mt. Pleasant; 6 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren, and too many friends to count. Blessed with a second family during the latter part of his life when he married Patricia, he spent many happy times with them down in Pauline. While mourning their loss, it is with joy and gratitude that his loved ones celebrate his life. Mr. DuPre and his family would like to thank Spartanburg Regional Home Health, especially Finola King (best nurse ever!) and Jamica Mayes; devoted caregiver, Donna Russell; Comfort Keepers, especially LaQuena Wilson; and Spartanburg Regional Hospice. The family is very appreciative of his excellent medical care, namely from his nephrologist, Dr. Fred Adams (best doctor ever!) and the entire staff at Spartanburg Cardiology Consultants. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, SC 29673; or ChildFund International, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles Henry DuPre please visit our Sympathy Store.