Charles Kenneth Warlick
Charles Kenneth Warlick, 88, of Simpsonville SC, loving husband of the late Mattie Warlick, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Charlie was a longtime member of Simpsonville United Methodist Church and had a great love of God’s creation. He was an avid gardener, fisherman, collector and outdoorsman.
Born on November 13, 1936, in Delight, NC, a small rural farming community in Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Lester and Kathleen Warlick. Though he was an only child, he grew up surrounded by cousins who became lifelong friends.
During his childhood, he developed a love for many outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, and fishing. At the age of 12, he joined the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout by the age of 16. He proceeded to earn 92 merit badges and enjoyed every minute of scouting.
He studied for a year at Gardner Webb College and then continued at North Carolina State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He met his wife, Mattie, on a blind date in 1959 and they married in 1961. He joined the Navy in December 1960 and served for four years moving up in rank to Lieutenant before being honorably discharged in 1964. Some of his best Navy stories came from serving as Communications Officer for Admiral John S. McCain Jr. during the Bay of Pigs. Following his Navy career, he worked in the chemical industry in managerial roles for several companies and retired from 3M in 1999.
In 1974, he stepped back into Boy Scouts and served as Scoutmaster for BSA Troop 159 for 31 years and Assistant Leader for several more years. During that time, he mentored over 500 young men and led 111 to the rank of Eagle Scout. He was the recipient of almost all BSA’s local, regional and national recognitions and awards that honor volunteer scout leaders. In 2012, an activity shelter at Camp Old Indian was named after him. The “Charlie Warlick Shelter” is located in the Windy Hill campsite. And in 2018, that year’s Eagle Scout class was named in honor of him. Because of all his time, dedication and service to the community through scouting, Charlie was awarded The Order of the Palmetto, which is the highest civilian award bestowed by the governor of the state of South Carolina.
Charlie is survived by his children, Michael and Amanda Warlick, Sara and Morgan Washick, Barbara and Michael MacLeod, and David and Leslie Warlick, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He lived an enthusiastic life full of love, laughter and so many stories. His legacy will live on through all who loved him and knew him well.
The family thanks the kind and compassionate caregivers at The Springs at Simpsonville and the caregivers with Bons Secours Hospice by Compassus.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 14 at Simpsonville Methodist Church at a time to be determined. Visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charlie’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association or The Blue Ridge Council for the “Warlick Shotgun Range”. Mailing address is Blue Ridge Council BSA, 1 Park Place, Greenville, SC 29607.
