Charles Ford Rivers, Jr., M.D., of Charleston, husband of Elizabeth Dufour Rivers, entered into eternal rest at his residence on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Ford was born on July 31, 1926, in Charleston, the son of Charles Ford Rivers and Ella Margaret Moseley Rivers. He graduated from the High School of Charleston, class of 1943; from The Citadel class of 1949 and from the Medical College of South Carolina class of 1953. Ford served in the United States Navy, in the Pacific, 1944-1946, working primarily as an assistant in the Medical Corps. He was married to Elizabeth Louise Dufour on June 21, 1949, in the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, just days after his graduation from The Citadel. Upon completing his education, he began his career as a cardiologist in private practice and retired in 1988. He served on the board of Roper Hospital and as President of the Medical Society of South Carolina. Ford was a long-time member of numerous local societies, including the Arian Society, German Friendly Society, Hibernian Society, New England Society, St. Andrew’s Society, Twin Fin Investment Club and the Widows and Orphans Society (past president and chairman of the Benevolent Committee). Ford was a lifelong Episcopalian and former vestryman at the Church of the Holy Communion. He was an enthusiastic sailor (his beloved boats were the Betty R. I, II and III) and a Dixieland drummer with numerous bands, including ‘The Alley Cats’ of the High School of Charleston and in later years, ‘The Med Beats,’ a group of local doctors who played for charitable events in Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Kathryn Ann Rivers; a sister, Nell Fraser Rivers Roebuck; and many beloved friends. In addition to his wife of 73 years, Elizabeth Dufour Rivers, he is survived by three children: Elizabeth Dufour Rivers and Charles Ford Rivers III (Beth), of Charleston; Christopher Rivers (Christopher Miller), of Massachusetts; three grandchildren: Charles Ford Rivers IV; Robert West Rivers and Caroline Rivers Gencdur (Ozgur) all of Charleston; two great-grandaughters, Elizabeth Jean Rivers and Kathryn Grace Rivers; two step-grandchildren: Caroline E. Rhode and James G. Rhode III; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The relatives and friends of Dr. and Mrs. C. Ford Rivers, Jr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Ave. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Online condolences may be made at www.charlestonfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of the Holy Communion Endowment Fund, 218 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29403 (www.holycomm.org) or to the Roper St. Francis Foundation 100 Calhoun St. Suite 210, Charleston, SC 29401 for Hospice. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc., (843) 766-1365.
Posted in: Post and Courier
Posted on: 2022-10-25
Link to original obituary: https://obits.postandcourier.com/us/obituaries/charleston/name/charles-rivers-obituary?id=36895555