Charles W. Rians III

LTC, U.S. Army, MSC, Charles Wilfred Rians, III (Ret.), 77, of Charleston, passed away January 20, 2017. Born in Charleston, he was the son of Charles Wilfred Rians, Jr. and Marion Rians Tilson Staubes and husband to Sarah Rogers Rians. LTC Charles W. Rians, III served 23 years in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corp with one tour of duty during the Vietnam War. His decorations and medals include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army commendation medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His last duty station was William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Sarah Rogers Rians; son, Dr. John Forrest Rians and wife Marie of Little Rock, AR; grandchild, Samuel Rians of Little Rock, AR; sister, Carol Tilson Pooser and husband J.M. Pooser, Jr. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. in MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Clemson University Gifts, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633; Baylor University, Office of University Development, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, TX 76798; French Huguenot Church, 44 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401.