Charles S. (Charlie) Thorn Jr.

June 14, 1938 - May 31, 2018

Charles S. (Charlie) Thorn, Jr., 79, died peacefully on May 31, 2018. He was born on June 14, 1938 to the late Ann and Charles Thorn of Cross River, N.Y. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and qualified for the Army Security Agency. Charlie studied Russian at the Army Language School and served as a linguist specialist in Lubeck Germany. After an honorable discharge from the service he enrolled at New York University and later transferred to Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. He subsequently worked in advertising with the NY Daily News, Newsweek and Forbes magazines in New York City and Atlanta. After retiring in 1986, he and his wife Carole relocated to Hilton Head Island, SC. They owned and operated Ocean’s Bounty Designs until 2002. Charlie began leading guided tours to remote Daufuskie Island with Outside Hilton Head in 2004. Daufuskie inspired the setting for Charlie’s 1st novel, Children of Shadows. Writing and guided tours through the South Carolina Low Country were his passion. Charlie was a true gentleman and retained all of his friendships from early in his life to the end. Nicknames included Buzzy, Mad Dog, and Captain Charlie. He was smart, witty, and known for his vivid storytelling. Charlie is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters, Kimberly Thorn Willey and Kristina Seddon; son-in-law, Jon Seddon; grandchildren, Jon Seddon Jr., Jenna Seddon, Alyssa Willey, and Alec Willey; his brother, Bill Thorn; as well as his devoted dog, Beau. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Charlie’s memory to The First Union African Baptist Church, 239 School Road, Daufuskie Island, S.C. 29915. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th from 5 - 8 pm at Spanish Wells Clubhouse, 1 Brams Point Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.