Charles “Chuck” Larsen, Sr., 96, passed away January 5, 2024. Chuck was born in 1928 in Pensacola, Florida to Karl and Alma Bishop Larsen.
At an early age, Chuck had a radio show where he performed, sang, and tap danced. This was the start of his lifetime love of music and dance. In Chuck’s early twenties, in the big band era, he started the Chuck Larsen Band in Pensacola, Florida which toured in the west Florida area.
Chuck attended Pensacola Junior College and Furman University before serving in the Navy and was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War.
Chuck had a varied career in business and politics working for Monsanto in South Carolina and various politicians including South Carolina senators and governors. He received numerous awards and commendations from the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives for his service to the state including the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto.
Chuck was instrumental in the formation of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce and worked with the Chamber for over 20 years. Chuck served as the President and Executive Director of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce and retired at the age of 80. Chuck was well known in Irmo through his work with the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, Okra Strut Festival, and Miss Irmo pageants. Chuck was commonly known as “Mr. Irmo.” He picked this up due to his active support of the Chamber as well as all the activities in Irmo.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Merlyne “Mert” Thornton Larsen and great-grandson Kage Archer Larsen. He is survived by sons Charles Lars Larsen, Jr. (Jamie) and James Karl Larsen; grandchildren Karl (Heather), Kevin (Kristin), Jessica Mitchum (Chase), Kyle (Courtney) and Justin (Maggie); and great-grandchildren June Mitchum and Rheese Larsen.
A viewing will be held in the afternoon/early evening of Thursday, January 9 at Dunbar Funeral Home in Irmo, South Carolina. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Dunbar Funeral Home Dutch Fork Chapel in Irmo, South Carolina, 7600 Woodrow Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the charity of your choice.