Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Birthdays and anniversaries won’t be the same in Barnwell County.
Chuck McCormick, known to many as the “Master of Birthdays”, died on June 15 following a long, brave battle with cancer. The Blackville resident, who had autism, had a gift for remembering people’s special moments, particularly birthdays and anniversaries. He also memorized phone numbers and was known for calling people on special occasions to congratulate them.
“His death can never surpass the love and compassion he had for everyone he met. We are forever grateful to have been blessed with his friendship. Sadly, birthdays and anniversaries will never be complete without Chuck's call,” said Karen Andrews.
Chuck not only had a gift for remembering the date someone was born, but the actual day of the week they were born.
“He had a memory for numbers. I met him when I was his dental hygienist. He asked me when my birthday was. When I told him the date, he immediately said, ‘You were born on a Wednesday.’ Needless to say, I spun around in my chair very quickly,” said Stephanie Collins Brandt, who became one of the hundreds of people Chuck would call every year.
Anna Beth Randall said she, her husband, and her parents are thankful for the privilege of meeting Chuck and having him call them on their anniversaries and birthdays. He called her every year since 2012 and later added her husband to his list of calls after Randall got married in 2022.
“I’m thankful he was able to call us on our anniversary June 4 and I was able to hear from him one last time. He will be missed by a lot of people, but I will be forever thankful for him making my birthday and anniversary a lot more special,” said Randall.
Valenda Black said Chuck made memories through his phone calls for people’s special days. He always kept the focus on the person he was calling.
“The last time I spoke with Chuck was June 2 when he called asking me to tell my sister happy birthday from him. His voice sounded weak but, as always, he told me he was fine. What a wonderful world we would have if more people were as humble, loving, caring, and thoughtful. Our birthdays and special days won’t be the same,” said Black.
Britt Pender said Chuck was an “amazing soul and an absolute genius. Birthdays and anniversaries will never be the same without Chuck and his phone calls. In a world full of constant change and uncertainty, Chuck was a constant bright light for us all. Thank you for touching the lives of so many, you will always be remembered and missed dearly.”
“You loved everyone and made everyone feel important. You loved like Jesus. May I imitate you in that. Many may hear, see and respond to the gospel even today because of your life of childlike faith and love,” said Adrian Burnette Swain.
Speaking on behalf of Chuck’s family, his cousin, Heather Peters, said the “outpouring of love and prayer has been a blessing to all of us and most especially Chuck in his final days. To see the impact that he has had on each of you is beyond anything any of us could imagine. He genuinely loves all people and to know that you loved him as well is a blessing to all of us.”
Chuck’s passing serves as a reminder that everyone has God-given gifts. “Chuck chose to use his given talents to bless countless others. He didn't hide them under a basket. He truly was a light in a dark world. May his inspiring testimony remind us to do the same,” said Jake Kilgus.
That’s exactly what Chuck’s family hopes as well. In lieu of flowers, the McCormick family asks people to consider doing an act of kindness on Chuck’s behalf and then post about it on Chuck’s Facebook page.
“I felt like the world would be darker without you here, Chuck, but it seems you left us all with much joy and love! We will go forth with kind words and deeds to others in your memory! I will miss hearing ‘Hey pretty girl, do you know who this is?’ on future days of celebration,” said Kimberly Kanagy.
While there was only one Chuck McCormick, his memory and legacy live on through those he impacted.
