The Reverend Charles Ward Easley, DD (Pastor Easley) of West Columbia died on May 27, 2022. He celebrated his 91st birthday on Wednesday, May 25.

Charles was born to the late Laura Louise Colbert Easley and Lefflette Teed Easley on May 25, 1931 in Georgetown, SC. Pastor Easley graduated from Winyah High School, Newberry College and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He was ordained in June, 1956 and gave his life in Christian service. In 1984, Newberry College bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.

He served Lutheran congregations in Albany, GA, Lexington, SC, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain and Albemarle, NC, West Columbia, SC, and Roanoke, VA. Prior to retiring he served 5 years as chaplain of Brandon Oaks Life Plan Community in Roanoke, VA. Easley continued his ministry in the Columbia area as a supply and interim pastor for many years following his retirement. He enjoyed being called Pastor Easley because he felt the title best reflected his calling to shepherd God’s flock. Pastor Easley served on the board of trustees for Newberry College and the South Carolina Synod Candidacy Committee. Throughout his years, he was actively involved in community service, functioning in leadership capacities on various boards.

Pastor Easley is survived by Emma Lou Bossart Easley, his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, and children Charles Ward Easley Jr (Wendy) of Belfast, ME, Irene Louise Moye (Richie) of Lexington, William Teed Easley (Cheryl) of Cayce and Penelope Easley Summer (Jay) of Trenton. He is also survived by grandchildren; Laura Moye (Stephen), Anna Maria Hutchins (Chris), David Moye (Lisa Li), Jenny Kronner (Shawn), Ashley Owens, Charles Moye, Benjamin Easley, and Shannon Bolick (Nick), and six great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his son, David Harry Easley and brother, Lefflette Teed Easley Jr (Jerry).

His family extends their gratitude to his caregivers at Laurel Crest, All Seasons Healthcare and Lexington Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to the Corpus of the Charles and Emma Lou Easley Scholarship funds at either Newberry College or Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

The funeral service was held Monday, May 30th at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, 1000 B Avenue in West Columbia. Visitation was following the service in the sanctuary. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel assisted the family.