Charles Lewis Rast Jr.

WEST COLUMBIA - Charles L. Rast, Jr. died on February 27, 2018. He is survived by Rosalyn “Sis” L. Rast, his devoted wife of 63 years; his children, Charles L. Rast III of Falls Church, Va, John L. Rast (Terry) of St. Louis, MO and Rosalyn “Lyn” Rast Clarke (John) of Richmond, VA; and his grandchildren, Amanda Rast, Emily Rast and Sarah Grace Clarke. He also is survived by his faithfully devoted sister, Thelma Rast of West Columbia, SC, along with his niece, Janet Sanders MacDonald (Richard) and two nephews, Robert Sanders (Terry) and Donald Sanders (Michaelene).

Born in Swansea, S.C., on September 26, 1923, Charlie graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1943 and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1947. He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies. While attending medical school, he joined the Navy V-7 and V-12 Programs from 1943-1945. Following medical school, he completed an internship at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in 1948 and a residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University in 1950. He began a fellowship in Hematology while at Duke University, but interrupted his training to join the US Army Medical Corps as a Captain from 1950-1952, including serving one year as an Internist with 8225 A.U. MASH, Korea. Upon his return from Korea, Charlie completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at Duke University in December 1954. He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, after completing his fellowship, and began practicing medicine as a cardiologist and internist. Charlie practiced medicine in St. Petersburg for over 40 years.

During his professional career, he was an active member of the local and state medical societies, served on the local, regional, and state American Heart Associations, and served as Chief of Staff at several local hospitals. Charlie was loved by his patients for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to listen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community. A visitation will follow in the Still Hopes Mansion. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Jane Bruce Guignard Health Care Center at Still Hopes and the staff of Heartstrings Hospice for all their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina or your local chapter of the American Heart Association.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.