Edgar Gustave Runge, Jr.

Edgar Gustave ("Skip") Runge, Jr. passed away suddenly in Unicoi, TN, on August 27, 2025, at age 75. Skip was born on August 27, 1950, in Asheville, NC. He moved with his family to Charlotte, NC, in 1952 and to Charleston, SC, in 1962. Skip loved growing up in the SC Lowcountry, taking advantage of any outdoor activity, especially fishing and surfing and anything to do with the water. He also loved art, craftsmanship and music, developing a talent for choral music and photography, both of which became lifelong passions. Skip graduated from St. Andrews Parish High School in 1968, attended Concordia College in River Forest, IL, the University of South Carolina and graduated from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, while working in the Charleston County Mental Health system, which he continued after college. Later he earned a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard with an emphasis in photography. Shortly thereafter, he became a Licensed Professional Counselor working primarily in substance abuse counseling in both public and private systems, including Fenwick Hall on Johns Island. Eventually he established a private practice in counseling and biofeedback, serving patients in Myrtle Beach, Georgetown and Mount Pleasant, SC. He finished his career as a counselor in the Roper - St. Francis system, counseling both employees and patients with spinal cord injuries. While Skip was practicing his counseling profession, he purposely made sure he included time to enjoy his artistic gifts. These included photography, choral singing, most recently under the tutelage of the choir master at Old St. Andrews Parish Church, where Skip and his wife, Shirley, regularly attended. Skip was, also, a baker of delicious sourdough bread and created his own recipe for homemade sausage, incidentally, using his Grandma Runge's old sausage maker. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Shirley Bishop Runge of Myrtle Beach, SC. In 1990, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, Jacob Addison Runge, whose name speaks greatly of significant men in Skip's life - "Jacob" came from Shirley's father, George Jacob Bishop, "Addison" came from Skip's maternal grandfather, and "Runge", of course being the paterfamilia. Skip was wholly focused on his family and happiness was spending time together. Occasionally, when the three of them were eating out, people would become aware of the joy and laughter that flowed from their table. (Faith shows even when we are not aware of its presence.) Skip had a special bond with Addison, including their shared love of music - with Addison's mellifluous baritone blending with Skip's tenor - along with a joint interest in films and competing weekly in Trivia Games at local eating establishments. Addison's sudden and untimely death in 2018, of a heart infection was a difficult time for both Skip and Shirley. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine" was evident in Skip's relationships with others - as part of God's tapestry for his life. He never stopped listening and attending to the needs of others. His earthly birth being August 27th, 1950, we honor his heavenly birth on August 27th, 2025. Skip is survived by his wife, Shirley Bishop Runge; two brothers, the Rev. Richardson Runge (Lois), Dr. Jeffrey Runge (Ginny); a sister, Dr. Mary Runge Jacob (Mel); 14 nieces and nephews; and 28 great-nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his son, Addison (2018); and parents, Edgar (2002) and Irma Runge (2024). A service in honor of Skip will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at noon at Old St. Andrews Parish Church. Burial will be private. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Old St. Andrews Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414, office@oldstandrews.org. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC., (843) 766-1365.