Memorial Day is often seen as the official start of summer, with celebrating the day off with barbecues and spending time by the pool or lake. But it’s a day with much deeper meaning.
First observed in 1868, Memorial Day is now a federal holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring those US military service members who have given their life in the line of duty.
For years, J
. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home has been assisting families of veterans and retirees with funeral honors and tributes. In addition, the team at Stuhr includes several veterans, who offer their services, expertise, and support to families in need.
“Memorial Day is a very special day for folks who have really given all to their country,” said Bob Hammel, a veteran who has worked part-time at Stuhr for several years. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 after graduating from college and served for 38 years, retiring as a Colonel.
“It’s a time to really think about and prioritize,” he added. “It’s a very special day for my entire family, because they had to serve with me for the many years that I spent in the military. My wife also just retired as a VA nurse. This day is about paying respects to the veterans. If I see a flag draped over a casket, I tell that family that it’s my honor to be there.”
Charles P. “Chuck” Blankin joined Stuhr Funeral Home in 2008, following a career as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department. He has worked with Stuhr’s for 17 years, a position he called an honor. “I’ve presented flags to a lot of widows and children, and it means a whole lot to me to be able to do that.”
He also served as a lieutenant with the US Navy, including a nine-month tour of Vietnam. Blankin was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. He is the current Commander of the VFW Post 445 on James Island and founded Commander’s Honors, which supports unclaimed veterans.
“An unclaimed veteran, through reasons such as PTSD, and things like that, is disowned by their family, and many of them are homeless,” explained Blankin. “Commander’s Honors offers programs to try and help them, and we’ve also made it our mission to give them the honors they deserve.”
Peter Rascoe retired as a commander after 30 years of both active duty and reserve time in the United States Coast Guard. He has been a resident of Charleston since 2019 and worked with the city of Charleston for four and a half years before joining Stuhr.
“When I moved here, I immediately volunteered at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center in the ER and just received my 500-hour certificate,” said Rascoe. “It’s something I enjoy doing because our veterans are entitled to a great level of respect and I feel honored to be able to serve them. Working at Stuhr’s gives another chance to return that respect and honor to those who are deceased, as well as their families.”
Chuck describes his work with veterans at Stuhr’s as more of a ministry than a job. “You’re helping people at some of their toughest times, and their emotions were running raw, so to be able to give a little comfort to somebody means the world to me.”
This year, Stuhr once again sponsors the Memorial Day service at the American Legion on Folly Road in James Island. There will be a guest speaker, benediction and lunch.
“In addition, for the last 10 plus years, we’ve been placing flags on all the veterans’ graves at our cemetery, Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, and Holy Cross Cemetery
on James Island, in partnership with other veterans and also students from some of the local public schools,” said Brian Calhoun, funeral director at Stuhr Funeral Home.
Calhoun states that Stuhr takes a lot of pride having veterans on their staff. “They raised their right hand, took the oath, served and sacrificed, and even though their time in uniform is over, they still have that heart of service and heart of sacrifice,” said Calhoun.
“At Stuhr’s, they found one more way that they can continue to give back, and that’s serving their fellow veterans and their families, whether that’s presenting a flag or driving to the final resting place. These veterans are just a few of who we have here, but it’s been a continued legacy having these guys on our staff who want to give back.”
Funeral Director Spotlight: Kimberly Knight
Born and raised in the heart of Summerville, Kimberly Knight has worked in the funeral home industry for 17 years and now serves as the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel.
Experiences that Shaped The Career
“I knew the importance of having a funeral director with empathy and decided I wanted to minister to families in this way,” said Knight. “It is a passion of mine to serve families and minister to them at one of the most difficult times of their lives.”
Professional Path
Knight worked hard to obtain the necessary certifications so she could serve families effectively. She completed a two-year apprenticeship, during which she obtained her Funeral Director License from the SCFDA by passing the State Board and the South Carolina Laws Exam. Additionally, Knight earned her Preneed license by attending specialized classes and passing a National Board Exam. This extensive preparation and training equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide families through one of life’s most challenging times and serve the community that has been her home since childhood. She also considers the work she put into earning her certifications, especially her Preneed license, some of the greatest achievements in her career.
Career with Stuhr’s Funeral Home
Knight’s journey with the J. Henry Stuhr family began in March 2022.
“Knowing Stuhr’s reputation, I was excited and eager to continue my career in the funeral industry with them. It amazes me that the company was founded in 1865 and is still family-owned and operated.”
Since becoming the managing funeral director at the Northwoods Chapel location, Knight has been proud to serve the tri-county area and help people manage their grief with love and compassion. She has also been able to help clients navigate Stuhr’s comprehensive aftercare program, which assists with insurance, retirement, VA benefits, Social Security and Grief Support, ensuring that families have all the resources they need and their questions answered.
Life outside the industry
When Knight isn’t serving the people of Charleston, she is deeply committed to being involved in her community and church. She serves alongside her husband, Sam, who is a youth pastor at Miles Road Baptist Church. Family is at the core of her being, and she cherishes the time she spends with her husband and children, Taylor, Colton, and his wife, Summer; Garret and his wife, Selena; and her two beautiful granddaughters, Talley and Layla.
In the spirit of the family-owned connection within Stuhr Funeral Home, Knight’s daughter, Taylor, is following in her mother’s footsteps and now works with the Stuhr team as well.
Just like the rest of her team, Knight is committed to providing grieving families with unmatched compassion, care, and support throughout every step of the grieving process. Her journey in the funeral home industry is not just a career; it’s a deeper calling and an honor to walk alongside people during their most challenging times and be a beacon of light in the darkness.
Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, understands that everyone grieves differently. They have the resources and experts to help you prepare for every aspect of the service. Together, they’re dedicated to providing the best and most professional care for their clients during their time of grieving and healing. For more information, stop by one of our locations in the area or contact us online.
The Veterans and Staff at Stuhr Funeral Home Remember the Sacrifice of Those Who Gave It all