Charles Frank McCafferty

Charles Frank McCafferty, 66, of James Island entered into eternal rest on April 11, 2026 after an extended illness. Charles was born in Chester, PA, the fourth of nine children to Leonard and Nancy (Lowry) McCafferty. Charles was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He lived in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas and North Carolina before calling the Low Country home some 40 years ago.

His life's work was a mosaic of occupations that revealed a heart for adventure and service. Charles was a long-haul trucker, commercial fisherman, tow-boat crew member, and residential construction worker. Long-time residents of James Island and Folly Beach will remember he was a short order cook for establishments like the Huddle House, Marker 24, The Tackle Shop, The Island Bar & Grill, and the VFW Post 445.

Charles leisure interests included vegetable gardening, fishing, hunting and sharing time with his nieces and nephews. "Uncle Chucky" could always be counted on to share his expertise and advice. He will be fondly remembered for cracking blue crabs, angling for fishing escapes, and guiding backyard bushcraft adventures, among other things.

Although recently homebound, Charlie was a devout Catholic who venerated the Blessed Virgin Mary and was invested in the Brown Scapular Confraternity. He trusted himself to the Mercy of God, believing in the promise of Our Lady to Pope John XXII that she would "shorten his stay in purgatory should he pass from this world still owing some debt of punishment." Aware of his terminal illness, he prayed especially to St. Joseph for the grace of a happy death.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Audrey McCafferty and Kathleen Steele; brother-in-law, John McGinley and nephew, John Paul Cunningham III. He leaves behind his brothers, Rev. Michael McCafferty, Eric (Liz) McCafferty both of Charleston, SC; sisters, Amy McGinley, Patricia (Ron) Roush, Rachel (Dean) Kay, all of West Virginia and Rosemary (Gary) Fitzpatrick of Jackson, SC; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Charles was particularly grateful for the many years of extraordinary care he received from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and most recently from Interim Home Health Care and Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 888 King Street, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. Family and friends are invited to gather at 6:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026, for recitation of the Rosary at the home of Charles' brother, 771 Sterling Drive, James Island.

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Charleston, SC info@sacredheartcharleston.org or the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Fisher House donations@fisherhouse.org.

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