Charles Joseph Loucks, Jr.
Charlie “Buzz” Loucks, 78, of Greenville, beloved husband of Elaine Meeks Loucks for nearly 32 years went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, April 26, 2021.
Born September 3, 1942 in Connellsville, PA, Charlie was the son of the late Charles Joseph Loucks, Sr. and Minnie Colland Loucks.
Charlie worked as a machinist at Steel Heddle for 40 years before retiring in 2007. Charlie lived a life filled with love and adventures. He loved traveling, fishing, gardening, and ballooning, but most of all he enjoyed taking care of others. He never met a stranger and was a friend to many. He was devoted to his beloved wife and family, who lovingly called him “Poppie”.
He was a member of the Hillcrest High School graduating class of 1961. He served in the US Navy on the USS Everglades from 1961-1967. He served as a volunteer fireman with the Belmont Fire Department and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He was a Master Gardener and held memberships in DeMolay International and the American Legion. He was a licensed hot air balloon pilot and helped bring the Freedom Weekend Aloft Balloon Festival to Greenville, where he served as Balloon Meister for several years.
He was a member of Reedy Fork Baptist, Westside Baptist and New Beginnings/Donaldson Church of God where he faithfully and actively served in many ministries. He helped with the youth, read the Christmas story to the children, prepared the draped Crosses for Easter, and sang in the choir. He was legendary for his service in the church kitchen and lovingly cooked and served meals at many church gatherings. He was always willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
In addition to his loving wife, Elaine, he is survived by his children, Joey Loucks (Marcy) of Simpsonville, Diana Mabry (Chris) of Greer, Merry Crawford (Bob) of Greenville, and Melissa Franklin (Eddie) also of Greenville; eight grandchildren, Michael Loucks, Rachel Loucks, Grant Mabry (Abbey), Kayla Mabry, Harrison Mabry, Alexandria Mabry, Lauren Nastoff Loper (James), and Julianna Crawford; and two great-grandchildren, Everett and Kennedy Loper.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home in Simpsonville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting at 12:00 PM.
If so desired, Charlie’s family would like memorials to be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Project Hope, or the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Upstate.
Interment will follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens.
I served with Charlie as a volunteer at Belmont Fire Dept. years ago. Nice fellow fun to be around. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Charlie and thank you for your Military and community service.
South Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars Chaplain and Past Belmont Fire Commissioner Wilton Fowler
My wife,Gaye and I are truly sorry to Charlie’s family for their loss.This is a hard time for the family. You have our sincerest sympathy.
I first met Charlie back in 2002 when my then husband saw a man trying to put up a hot air balloon by him self. He ask him if he needed help and from then on my family crewed for Charlie and Elaine and had many flights with Charlie.
Elaine you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne, Kaylyn and Jay
Mr Positive Attitude was Charlies’ middle name. I had the good fortune to provide Charlie with his annual FAA annual inspection and occasional hot air balloon repair services. We would spend several hours together talking about anything and everything. Charlie always eagerly assisted with the laborious inspection process. He was always a life long learner. Carolyn and I always enjoyed spending time with Elaine and Charlie during various balloon festivals over the years. It was tough to see Charlie put up a battle against covid and the other medical issues. We mourn not our Aeronaut friends for we have all risen to kiss the sunrise and floated on the breath of God. We wish peace to Elaine and all of Charlie’s family during this time of loss. Soft landing dear friend.
So sorry for your loss. He was a friend to all and will be sorely missed. He and his parents lived next door to us for years and he and my brother ran around together. I loved him and his family. We shared many good times. You will certainly remain in our prayers. Heaven gain a jewel. God bless.
I was so sorry to read this. Charlie was one of a kind. I lost my Charles last year. We all had many good times at balloon events over the years. Please accept by condolences. I’ll be praying for the entire family.
Brooksie Rentz