Bud Garforth

Ezra (Bud) Garforth Jr., 95, of Charleston, SC, former owner of Gingiss Formalwear in North Charleston and Greenville, died peacefully on Friday, October 29, 2021. His Funeral Service will be held 2:30 PM Saturday, November 6, 2021 at the Chapel at Bishop Gadsden, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way. Inurnment will follow at the Bishop Gadsden Columbarium.

Mr. Garforth was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Ezra Garforth and Eva Lupton Garforth. He was a graduate of Abington High School (PA) and was a Navy veteran of World War II. After graduating from M.I.T. in 1948, he held engineering positions with Atlantic Refining Co., Ford Motor Co., and 3M Co. He then joined Philadelphia Steel and Wire Corp. and progressed from sales positions to management and then to more leadership roles. At age 37, Bud became President of this largest domestic manufacturer of helical spring lock washers. He was active in the YPO organization (Young Presidents Organization) for many years. His last manufacturing company was Central Screw Company in Chicago, IL where he was Executive VP of all manufacturing operations. After leaving Central Screw, a career change was in order. Bud purchased Gingiss Formalwear franchises and moved to the Charleston area where he helped people celebrate the special occasions in life.

While at M.I.T., he met Edna Schott, a student at Boston University, and they were married in 1949. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, John Ezra Garforth of Indian Land, SC and Donald Andrew Garforth of Clinton, MS. Edna Ann Schott Garforth predeceased her husband in 2002.

Bud was a member of the Country Club of Charleston and served two terms as its President. He was Chapter Chairman of the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross and then served as Director for a number of years. He also was a business counselor for the SCORE organization for 11 years (Service Corps of Retired Executives) that brought him much joy in helping others start their own businesses. Bud was a member of the Saint James Church, where he served as an usher. He was active in the affairs of the Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community and served a term as President of the Resident’s Council. He was also active with the Trident United Way.

After the passing of his first wife, Bud met and married Mary Dee Cushing of Hilton Head Island in 2003. He was an avid golfer and card player. He was part of the inaugural Croquet Club at Bishop Gadsden and represented them in one of their earlier tournaments. He always looked forward to the monthly Texas Hold 'em game where he often did quite well. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Dee Cushing Garforth; his two sons Jack and Don, a step-son Eddie Cushing of Dacula, GA, a step-daughter Doreen Haughton-James of Hilton Head Island, SC., 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Garforth’s sister, Barbara Jackson of Birmingham, AL and granddaughter Shannon Leigh Garforth of Clinton, MS predeceased his passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bud’s memory to the Charleston Animal Society on Remount Rd. in North Charleston.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. (843) 766-1365.