Singleton and Related Genealogy Pages
A history of many families.
1926 - 2018 (92 years)| Name | Charles Randolph McCREIGHT [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] | |
| Birth | 1926 | Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina  [4] |
| Gender | Male | |
| HIST | of Sumter, South Carolina I hope that this is the correct Charles to be the brothers of Robert G. Jr. Architect sketches life after retirement Charles McCreight, a local architect, looks over some of the designs he's drawn up during his 60 years in business recently. McCreight, 85, recently announced he plans to retire after being a staple of Sumter for decades. He was responsible for countless buildings across the city and county, including schools in the former Districts 2 and 17, rural fire stations and banks. BY NICK McCORMAC nmccormac@theitem.com For the better part of the past century, Charles McCreight has made a living out of sketching grand plans. With pen and pencil and paper, the Sumter architect has meticulously put together the designs for what would later become a school, or a fire station, or a bank, or maybe even a home. While the 85-year-old Columbia native is continuing to sketch out the blueprints of his life - most recently bringing his retirement into the mix - there are still additions and changes to be made. McCreight recently announced he will be closing his architectural firm at 202 W. Calhoun St. and ending his tenure as an architect after about 60 years. But it's not off to sunny Florida or the golf course for him, he said. "I'm not retiring to get out of work. I still want something to do," he said. "I just don't know what just yet." Designed for excellence McCreight knew exactly what he wanted to do while he was growing up. His father had a friend who was an architect, and when McCreight was younger he would tag along with his father on visits, watching the family friend create designs for buildings. McCreight subsequently fell in love with the craft. After graduating from Columbia High School in 1944, McCreight joined the Army Air Corps during World War II as an aviation cadet. A physical ailment kept him from flying planes, but he was assigned to Flight Engineer School and was stationed at the Rock of Gibraltar to aid a B-17 air group following World War II. He left the service in 1946. McCreight went on to attend Clemson University, graduating in 1951 and moving to Sumter soon after to work with an architectural firm. McCreight, the late Harry Demosthenes and the late O.B. Riley started their own firm in 1959. McCreight has been responsible for designing hundreds of facilities, including homes, new schools in both the former Sumter School District 17 and District 2, numerous fire stations throughout the county and the National Bank of South Carolina building in Sumter. "I don't really have a style, I guess," he said. "I'm more traditional than anything. I like to keep it simple. And I don't really specialize in any particular types of buildings. I really liked designing schools, though." While McCreight wasn't in the spotlight for a lot of Sumter's past growth and development, he usually had a hand in helping people accomplish things, said Mayor Joe McElveen. "He's certainly not an unknown person in the community, but he was one of those people who was a major player behind the scenes," said McElveen. Aside from his design business, McCreight also worked in numerous community organizations, including stints as chairman of the Sumter Development Board and president of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce. McElveen first met McCreight during his time with the chamber. "He was president when I was first getting started here as a young attorney. I remember he was encouraging me to become more involved with the chamber and the community," said McElveen. Former Sumter County Administrator Bill Noonan also worked closely with McCreight, who designed some of the rural fire stations built using money from the county's Penny for Progress sales tax initiative. "I've known Charles ever since I first moved to Sumter in the 1960s," said Noonan. "He's always been a true gentleman in every respect. He always did a quality job as a result of his excellent design and oversight." McCreight is also a devout and steadfast Christian, a quality McElveen said shines through. "He's very strong in his Christian faith in Sumter and bringing that faith into action is something he really excels in," he said. Mary Geddings said she worked alongside McCreight for 48 years as a secretary. "It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him," Geddings said. "He's a fine Christian man." Geddings noted she was treated as a person. "He never treated me as an employee," she said, adding work was a team effort. She said sometimes she would spot him while working at his drafting table. "He would be there drawing away and just smiling." "He was a happy Christian, and I enjoyed every minute of it." A great friend, a greater father But McCreight wasn't just a great humanitarian and leader, said some of his longtime friends. He is also a spirited and fun-loving person, and someone Item Editor Hubert Osteen considers "one of the best friends I have ever had." "I can't imagine him ever retiring. He just has so much energy and a zest for life that few 'seniors,' for lack of a better word, possess," said Osteen. "In fact, I don't believe he's retiring. He's faking it." Osteen and his wife, Jackie, still live in the home McCreight designed for them more than 40 years ago. He touted McCreight's charity and willingness to help out in the community. "I believe he has done more free architectural work for groups, organizations and worthy causes than any other architect I've ever known about. He has always been so generous with his time and his contributions to this community," he said. McCreight, Osteen and Dr. Charles Propst were part of group of friends who made a yearly trek from Sumter to Clemson for a home football game. The group would meet up early in the morning and return to Sumter late in the evening, with everything happening along the way planned out meticulously. "He would say, 'OK. I'm going to be at Hubert's house at 6:05 a.m., and then I'm going to be at your house at 6:18 a.m., and then we're stopping at McDonald's at 6:32 a.m.' He was so specific and careful about those kinds of things," said Propst, laughing. "That definitely was easy to see throughout his career and personal life. He was so careful and deliberate about everything." Propst described McCreight as "a man for all seasons, who meant so much to so many people and has been so inspirational in everything." He, too, touted McCreight's strong faith. "He's really grown in his Christian faith since I've known him. He's loved life and tried to endow that love to his friends and family," said Propst. Both Osteen and Propst said McCreight is a great friend, but that he and Peggy, his wife of 60 years, are even greater parents to their four children, Nancy, Randy and Bobby McCreight and Cathy Hall. Said Osteen, "While architecture has been Charles' profession and his passion, that doesn't define who he is or what gives him the most pride, and that would be his family. His life has revolved around Peggy, his children and grandchildren, and theirs around him, because he has made living and bonding as a family such a joyful and downright fun experience. For example, the summer vacations to the beach he orchestrated, organized and choreographed for his family are legendary. He would literally work himself into exhaustion creating memories for his family with all kinds of special activities and games. Vacations with Charles made a happy family even happier." Son Bobby, one of the operators of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home in Sumter, praised his father for being a determined and passionate role model. "He truly, truly loved his work and has been very devoted to completing any project he took on and completing it the right way," he said. "I've been told by countless individuals through the years what a pleasure it has always been to deal with him on the job. He always paid very close attention to detail and expected the job to be done right." When not at work, McCreight made an effort to spend time with his 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. "As a son, I can say he's got a tremendous work ethic and has just always gone about his job not considering it a job, but a pleasure. He loved doing it no matter what the project was," said Bobby. Future plans The world of architecture has changed over the years. Before, McCreight would be responsible for everything from lights to air ducts. Now, there are specialists that take over those duties, and regulations and restrictions can at times stifle creativity, he said. "I used to have control over more aspects of a building. We used to do it ourselves. Now, a lot of times, it's not worth the worry and the effort," said McCreight. That's not to say he dislikes his job. McCreight said he puts safety above all else, but he misses the days when he could let his creativity flourish. "I understand why we need regulations. I have no problem with that. I want people to be safe," he said. "But like I said, you can't be as creative or have as much control as you used to." Still, 60 years in any field is a long time, and McCreight said he's ready to move on. But he won't be going far. "I'm still going to be in this building. I just don't know what I'm going to do yet," he said. "I'm closing in on 86. I just hope down the line to finish well." Reach Nick McCormac at (803) 774-1214 Posted in Local news, News on Sunday, January 29, 2012 Charles and Peggy McCreight celebrate 65th anniversary August 21, 2016 Charles Randolph and Margaret Short “Peggy” McCreight of Sumter recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married Aug. 18, 1951, in Indianapolis. Their children are Cathy and Dan Hall, Nancy McCreight, Randy and Marian McCreight and Bobby and Karen McCreight. The have nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The McCreights celebrated with the entire family at South Litchfield Beach for a week of fun and fellowship. Son Bobby McCreight writes that his parents exhibit “a wonderful commitment to the Lord and have shown great faithfulness to each other and their family. We are so thankful for their example.” McCreights celebrate 65 years Posted Sunday, August 28, 2016 6:00 am Charles and Margaret "Peggy" McCreight of Sumter celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary during the week of July 18. The couple celebrated with a "Beach Week" to South Litchfield Beach with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The couple's four children and their spouses are Cathy and Dan Hall, Nancy McCreight, Randy and Marian McCreight and Bobby and Karen McCreight. The couple has nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mrs. McCreight is the former Margaret "Peggy" Short of Indianapolis, Indiana. Sumter architect 'modeled loving what's most important' Eyeing two of the trophies to be awarded at a Sept. 8, 1957, Golf-O-Limpics are Harry Demosthenes, left, awards chairman, and Charles McCreight, special events chairman. Nineteen awards were made by the Sertoma Club at the end of the one-day tournament at Pocalla Springs. SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Posted Thursday, March 29, 2018 6:00 am McCREIGHT BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Friends described Charles McCreight as more than just an accomplished architect. A registered practicing architect for more than 60 years in Sumter, McCreight was known more as a devoted family man and friend, a loving example to his church and a community leader. McCreight passed away Saturday. He was 91. Gifford Shaw, a long-time local entrepreneur and business owner, described McCreight as a close friend who "loved well the things that were most important." "He loved the church and its savior, Jesus Christ," Shaw said. "He loved his wife, [Peggy], the sweetheart of his life. He loved his family. He loved children and made their life rich. He loved the needy and was very generous. He loved his profession. He loved Sumter." Born in Columbia, McCreight served in World War II and was a 1951 graduate of Clemson College, where he earned a degree in architecture. The next year, he moved to Sumter and was founding partner of Demosthenes, McCreight & Riley, AIA. He was a member of the South Carolina Chapter of American Institute of Architects and was a charter member and a former chairman of the Clemson Architectural Foundation. McCreight is also remembered by friends for being very active in the Sumter community, volunteering his time and efforts to numerous causes. He was a former chairman or past president of several local organizations and agencies, including the Sumter County Industrial Development Board, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and the Sumter City-County Planning Commission. In 1986, then-Gov. Carroll Campbell recognized McCreight as the volunteer of the year from the South Carolina Industrial Economic Development Association. Greg Thompson, a local business owner and current chairman of Sumter Development Board, said he always looked up to and respected McCreight. "He was a complete man," Thompson said. "He was a great father, great businessman, was very active in his church and was also very active in the community. In the '80s, Charles was very active in the economic development success that we had as a community. It was because of great leaders like Charles that we became one of the more successful manufacturing communities in the state of South Carolina." Hubert Osteen, chairman and editor-in-chief of The Sumter Item, remembers McCreight as being devoted to his family and friends. Osteen shared that McCreight was a big Clemson fan, and he would often take friends to Clemson football games each fall. "He was really a special guy, very generous and did a lot for the community," Osteen said. "Charles was one of the best friends that I had." McCreight was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Shaw, a fellow member of Westminster, described McCreight as a "most loyal friend" who is now in Heaven. "A prince among mortal men went home this week," Shaw said. "He truly lived a life of love and modeled loving what's most important. God be praised for the eternal life of Charles McCreight." McCreight leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Peggy, of 66 years of Sumter; two daughters, Cathy Hall of York and Nancy McCreight of Sumter; two sons, Randy McCreight of Greenville and Bobby McCreight of Sumter; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. McCreight's funeral services were held Wednesday at Westminster. CHARLES R. MCCREIGHT MCCREIGHT Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2018 9:27 am Charles Randolph McCreight, 91, husband of Margaret "Peggy" Short McCreight, died on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at National Healthcare Center. Born in Columbia, he was a son of the late Robert Gilman McCreight and Edith Koenecke McCreight. Mr. McCreight was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program during World War II and was discharged in 1946. He was a graduate of Clemson College Class of 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture. He was a registered practicing architect for more than 60 years in Sumter, a founding partner of Demosthenes, McCreight & Riley, AIA, leaving his style of architecture all over Sumter and South Carolina. Charles loved practicing architecture. He was a member of the South Carolina Chapter of American Institute of Architects. He was a charter member and a former chairman of the Clemson Architectural Foundation. Since coming to Sumter in 1952, Charles gave of himself unselfishly to countless church, community, and civic organizations, serving on a wide range of committees, volunteering his time and efforts. He loved Sumter and was proud to be a part of its industrial development through the years. He believed industrial recruitment was a lifeline for Sumter’s growth and success. Charles was a former chairman or past president of the following committees: the Sumter City-County Planning Commission, the Sumter County Industrial Development Board, the Sumter Junior Chamber of Commerce, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Sumter Improvement Association, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and board of directors of the Sunset Country Club. He was also retired from the general board of directors of Synovus/NBSC and was a former chairman of the Sumter Advisory Board at Synovus/NBSC. In 1986, then Gov. Carroll Campbell recognized Charles as being selected the volunteer of the year from the South Carolina Industrial Economic Development Association. In 2007, he was selected as the outstanding "Rotarian of the Year" of the Palmetto Rotary Club. Charles was a lifelong Clemson supporter and a true "Tiger," who loved spending time with his family. Some of his favorite times were hosting his entire family at S. Litchfield Beach for "Beach Week," a tradition he and Peggy began more than 50 years ago. Charles loved aviation, and always laughed as he had his pilot’s license before he had a driver’s license. As a teenager in Columbia, he often rode his bicycle to the airport at Owens Field to fly his plane. Charles’ greatest joy was accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior and knowing that all four of his children knew Christ. The family is very grateful to the staff at NHC for their tender care of Charles. Surviving are his devoted and loving wife, Peggy, of 66 years of Sumter; two daughters, Cathy Hall (Dan) of York and Nancy McCreight of Sumter; two sons, Randy McCreight (Marian) of Greenville and Bobby McCreight (Karen) of Sumter; nine grandchildren, Charlie Hall (Elizabeth), Daniel Hall (Kelly), Jeannie Hagopian, (Jesse), Margaret Austin (Thomas), Martin McCreight, Claire McCreight, Ann Elizabeth McCreight, Cate McCreight and Sarah McCreight; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret McCreight Farr and Betty McCreight Garnett; and a brother, Robert Gilman McCreight Jr. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Stuart Mizelle and Gifford Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Sumter Cemetery. Grandsons and Vic Jones will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the fellowship hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 or to Young Life Sumter, P.O. Box 1141, Sumter, SC 29151. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] | |
| MILI | In 1944, he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II as an aviation cadet. A physical ailment kept him from flying planes, but he was assigned to Flight Engineer School and was stationed at the Rock of Gibraltar to aid a B-17 air group following World War II. He left the service in 1946. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program during World War II and was discharged in 1946. [4, 8] | |
| Occupation | he is retiring from his architectural firm at 202 W. Calhoun St. after about 60 years [4] | |
| _UID | 45C12D7AFECF46349BFCEB0FE3A9293F7945 | |
| Death | 24 Mar 2018 | National Healthcare Center, 1018 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina |
| Burial | 28 Mar 2018 | Sumter Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Avenue, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [8] |
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| Person ID | I214235 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 12 Dec 2019 | |
| Father | Robert Gilman McCREIGHT, Sr. d. Bef 13 Dec 2009 | |
| Mother | Edith Cook KOENECKE d. Bef 13 Dec 2009 | |
| _UID | C5BC6213049E4FE3817BC73019A46C684E41 | |
| _UID | C5BC6213049E4FE3817BC73019A46C684E41 | |
| Family ID | F168491 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family | Margaret “Peggy” SHORT, b. 6 Aug 1929, Wheeling, West Virginia d. 9 Dec 2019 (Age 90 years) | |||||||||
| Marriage | 18 Aug 1951 | Indianapolis, Indiana [4, 5] |
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| _UID | 40DA86A6B3A3437388D34FFB5299990E89AF | |||||||||
| _UID | 40DA86A6B3A3437388D34FFB5299990E89AF | |||||||||
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| Family ID | F145131 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||||||
| Last Modified | 6 Sep 2016 | |||||||||
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