Charles "Rick" Frederick Luhrs Iii

Charles Frederick “Rick” Luhrs III, 87, of Florence, SC, went to be with His Heavenly Father on Friday, September 13th, 2024. He was the son of Hazel Yarborough Luhrs and Charles Frederick Luhrs, Jr. born on August 10th, 1937. Throughout his life, Rick went by many names and titles; son, husband, daddy, papa, uncle, great uncle, papa 2, friend, mechanic and all-around Mr. Fix-it. He loved to tinker and grow his understanding of anything mechanical or electrical. He also loved just working with his hands and raw materials to build homes, workshops, or furniture. In his later years, he began teaching himself to draw characters and landscapes. Always holding others in higher esteem than himself, he would do anything he could to help others in any way possible. Everyone knew if they mentioned a problem or concern to him they could expect him to show up with his tools, a hug or an ear to listen. While serving as a school bus driver, Rick met the love of his life, Jeddie Mae Wilson. The two married June 6th, 1956 having three children, Ricky, Robby and Renee. Rick served with the United States Navy for eight years, honorably discharged in 1963. Rick held certificates in machinist, electrical, pipe fitting and welding, instrumentation, and millwrighting from Florence Darlington Tech. He retired from Stone Container after 40 years of loyal service. During his time with Stone, he was recognized and received the chairman’s award, and employee of the year in 1988. He was instrumental in the modification and installation of automatic guides which allow machine wires and felts to run in proper alignment, known as the Papermachine felt guidance system. Rick and Jeddie were both loyal members of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 30 years. He served in many ways over the years as Sunday school teacher, usher, committee member, general handy man and loved spending time with his “dishwashing crew.” He is survived by his son, Robert (Donna) of Darlington and daughter, Renee (Neal) Kennedy of Florence; six grandchildren, Whitney Wilke, Katie Coit, Wil Luhrs, O’Neal Kennedy, Abbey Kennedy Driggers, Sam Luhrs; thirteen great-grandchildren (fourteen in November). He is predeceased by his parents, wife, and oldest son, Charles Frederick Luhrs IV. Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 524 South Ebenezer Road, Florence, SC 29501. Family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:00 PM Monday, September 16, 2024, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.