Obituary of Charles Bissell McFadden

Charles Bissell McFadden

March 26, 1945 – February 5, 2024

Charles Bissell McFadden passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina.  Born in Monroe, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Walter R. McFadden, Sr. and Edith H. McFadden Jones.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Charles B. McFadden, Jr. and Kathryn M. McFadden, of Greenville; daughter, Barbara A. McFadden, of Irmo; three grandsons, Charles B. McFadden, III, Owen P. McFadden, and Wells A. McFadden; sister Terrisa McFadden Gore, her husband, Steve, and family; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins, including his niece, Elizabeth Meetze, her husband, John, and their extended family, all of whom have provided unwavering love and support to him through the years.    

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Paula McMillan McFadden, and his brother, Walter R. McFadden, Jr. 

Charles was raised in Fort Mill, South Carolina and graduated from Fort Mill High School in 1963.  He thereafter attended the University of South Carolina, where he met his future wife, Paula, a native of Aiken.  He graduated in 1968 with a B.S. degree in Banking and Finance and remained a faithful Gamecock supporter throughout his life. 

Charles and Paula were married in October 1968 and made Columbia their home.  He joined South Carolina Electric & Gas in 1969 and spent the entirety of his professional life with SCE&G and SCANA Corporation.  He held a variety of human resources and customer service positions through the years, later transitioning to roles supporting strategic planning, governmental relations and economic development.  After 45 years of dutiful and dedicated service, Charles retired from SCANA Corporation in October 2014.  During his career, he also served a myriad of professional and community organizations such as the State Chamber of Commerce, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina Senate Economic Development Advisory Committee.

For the last 25 years, Charles lived with his family on Lake Murray, admiring beautiful sunsets, enjoying boat rides with his wife and flipping thousands of pancakes in the kitchen alongside his grandsons.  He was an avid outdoorsman, and could often be found hunting, fishing from his dock, playing golf or gardening.  His “green thumb” and the prolific vegetable garden and flower beds he cultivated were always extraordinary and will be remembered with fondness.    

Charles will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  His friendships were vast and deep, built upon his kindness, loyalty and dependability.  Referred to as “Bobby” by longtime family and friends and “Mac” by his grandsons, Charles was and will continue to be an example of service, compassion and generosity for not only his immediate family, but also many of the friends and acquaintances he touched during his life. 

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the physicians, nurses, technicians and caregivers at the Prisma Richland Heart Hospital, especially the staff of the CPICU.  In addition, further appreciation and thanks is extended to Connie Marsh and Felicia Davis, both of whom supported Charles and his family immensely during his final weeks of intense medical challenges. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 170 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210.  A reception celebrating Charles’ life will follow the service at the church.

If so inclined and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Able SC, the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation or a charity of choice.

Woodridge Funeral Home is assisting the family.