Virgil Garrett Svendsen

Virgil Garrett Svendsen, 77, of Charleston, SC entered into eternal rest on July 15, 2025. His Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Virgil was born on December 18, 1947 in Charleston, SC, a son of Halvor and Ethel Svendsen. Virgil graduated from Clemson University in December 1969 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army upon graduation. He went on to proudly serve his country in Vietnam (1970-1971) and labored professionally as a civil engineer for many decades. Virgil married the love of his life, Barbara, in November of 1971.

Virgil's love and kindness, as reflections of his faith, shone brilliantly upon everyone in his life. He began each morning communing with his Creator and studying His Word. Church community was always a part of his life-children's church pastor, volunteer, greeter and small group member. As father to his two sons, Joey and Jared, his example was invaluable and his presence absolutely cherished. His unwavering support is one of the principle foundations upon which his sons have built their lives. Virgil's jokes, smiles and goofiness will remain with all those who knew and loved him. Virgil has left us with a vast treasure-trove of sweet, precious memories.

Virgil was a connoisseur of three things. The first is Clemson football. In addition to his daily morning prayer and scripture reading, Virgil consumed the latest news on Tiger Net. Hundreds, if not thousands, of his conversations centered on season highs and lows, pre and post-season speculations, quarterback play and defensive stoutness. His heart swelled mightily in the celebratory aftermath of big playoff/bowl game wins and national championships. The second is movies. Virgil was a movie-holic and was always down for a new movie viewing experience. He kept records of the films that he had watched and even compiled lists of his all-time favorites. Virgil shared this love with his wife and boys from movie theater visits in the 80s to blockbuster trips in the 90s to streaming on the couch in the 2000s. Classics, westerns, action/war and the occasional horror film were his go-to picks. The third is sweets. If you know Virgil, then you know his fondness for all things sugary-doughnuts, pastries, pancakes and syrup, ice cream, cake etc. He was always on the lookout for the next tasty treat, despite Barbara's disapproving gaze. He definitely got away with more during the holidays!

Virgil was an artist. He poured himself into his artwork that reflected his inner beauty through brushstroke and color. His artistic flair transformed birthday cards and birthday cakes into panoplies of childhood whimsy-Garfield, Darth Vader, Digger, etc. Virgil loved to celebrate. His holiday effervescence was truly infectious and his unquenchable enthusiasm imbued each Christmas with joy and wonder.

Despite Virgil's many struggles in life, he admirably ran the race set before him with great patience, humility and reliance on God's grace. Virgil's existence now transcends time and space and his earthly trials and tribulations are past. His legacy is his Christ-centered manhood-husband, father, grand-father, provider, supporter, example. He is so tremendously loved by his family and friends. Thanks be to God that there will be a great, future reunion with this dear man.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Barbara; his two sons, Jared (Sarah) and Joey (Pricilla) as well as his six grandchildren, Emma, Caroline, Rosa, Gwenny, William and Waylon.

Virgil was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Victor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seacoast Church Counseling Ministry, 750 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.I

If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to Please deliver Home Arrangements Only to the funeral home as we will not be going to a cemetery, Friday, July18th between 10AM and 2PM