William S. “Sandy” Stuhr Sr.

retired funeral director and CEO, J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Homes, Charleston, South Carolina, died April 8, 2023, at age 88. Stuhr graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science (now Mid-America College of Funeral Service) as a fourth-generation funeral director. As a CEO, he knew when, where and how to expand the business and his decisions as a leader came from a place of confidence, not ego. He dedicated his energies to ensuring the sustainability and excellence of a multigenerational funeral business for his family, employees and the greater community.

Stuhr served as president of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association in 1978-79. He advocated for South Carolinians by initiating and lobbying for improvements in the state’s preneed funeral program. Stuhr and J. Henry Stuhr Inc. were invited to join Selected Independent Funeral Homes, where Stuhr ultimately served on its national board of directors. He was an original board member of Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina; as its chairman, he played an instrumental role in the success of Goodwill.

An expert fisherman and hunter, Stuhr believed in and promoted conservation efforts his entire life, instilling in people a respect and understanding of the beauty and limited supply of the Lowcountry’s natural resources. His love of fishing led him to earn his captain’s license, operate his own guide service and be recognized by Field & Stream and other publications over the years.

He is survived by daughters Catherine and Carol, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three brothers and a sister.