Rudy Mitchell Hearne

The family of Rudy M. Hearne is saddened to announce the passing of their patriarch. Rudy was born on October 12, 1942, in Hannah Community, Pamplico, SC, husband of the late Edna Calcutt Hearne, and son of the late J.B. Hearne and Bertha Poston Hearne.

Surviving are his sons: James (and Angie) Hearne of Summerville, SC, and Mitchell Hearne of Goose Creek, SC; and siblings: Pauline (and Steve) Hinshaw of Raleigh, NC, Raymon Hearne of Evergreen, SC, and Shirley (and George) Rhame of Florence, SC; grandson James B. Hearne II, and extended other family members.

Rudy Hearne was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Hearne; siblings: Mary Newell, Challis Miles, Darvin Miles, Vonnie Hearne, and Wesley Hearne.

He was a proud patriot and veteran having served in the United States Army in the early 1960s, and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany as a mail clerk, of which he had fond memories and would share stories of his time there as well as the life lessons he encountered during his active duty service. He believed that he was created by God for a greater purpose and would exercise an adventurous spirit to find out what it was. Sometimes he would confide that there were "some lessons that really hurt" as well as the humorous shenanigans that only service people would genuinely appreciate.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned stateside to a country he was proud of, to marry the love of his life, Edna Joyce. Together they would embark on more than fifty-four years of what he would describe as "their trip of a lifetime, together". They would be as inseparable as no one could imagine, through celebrations and triumphs, heartache and suffering, prosperity and tribulation, and the loss of family and lifelong friends - together, in a way that few people will ever truly experience. He was left without his "ride or die, forever spirit" when she passed on February 8, 2024.

On the outside he remained stalwart and committed to carrying on everything they had done as the family that she adored. On the inside though, he longed for the day he would see her again, often lamenting about how much he missed her by his side. So many times, he would remind those whose path he crossed, to treasure the relationships you have and the blessings you have been given. It was frankly spoken from the sage wisdom and phenomenal solicitude of someone who cared about others more than himself.

He began his career working for CSX Rail and later Southeastern Steel in Florence, SC in the late 1960s as a delivery driver and worked his way up in the company to sales. In 1973 he was transferred to the Charleston branch of Southeastern Steel, moved to Summerville, and worked there in sales and as Sales Manager for several more years. In 1981 Rudy decided to start his own company and founded Coastal Steel & Metals in Summerville with a partner, whom he bought out a few years later, and ran the company for 12 years, until closing it in 1993.

Rudy started working for D&E Manufacturing for David & Edna Smith in 1998 where he worked in sales for the company for the rest of his career. Customers and colleagues alike would confer with him to solve some of the most challenging issues facing their business and the livelihood of others. Respect and admiration crossed the globe with those who trusted him, but more importantly called him friend. As a man of indisputable principle and integrity, he was often asked for more than his professional advice. If you knew Rudy, you would certainly know that sometimes the advice came without ever asking.

He enjoyed teasing people he cared for as his way of softening the moments, never maliciously, and routinely to the point of their irritation, where they would end up forgetting their troubles. He lovingly called our mother "Clyde" as a pet name, while she called him "Zeek". Rudy wished he could have had a little girl to spoil but never got the chance. Instead, he befriended and tried to spoil the daughters of close friends and relatives, who he considered an extension of their family. He deeply appreciated the magnificence of God's love and made it a point to share the blessings with others. Always looking out for the weak and those who sought grace in the most difficult of times.

Some of his greatest joy came from helping those who had no idea he was anonymously practicing what we are shown in Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'"

Rudy was a Freemason at the local Summerville Lodge since the 1980s. He believed in fraternity, focused on personal self-improvement, practicing moral virtues, engaging in good works, and supporting their community. As a humble man, true to God, he never spoke of the ceremonies or rituals leaving us to wonder the full breadth of what he experienced and shared with his brothers. He never flaunted or boasted, but he was always proud, if secretive, of being a Freemason.

Rudy enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, fishing when he had the time, spending time in his recliner watching TV, and spending as much time as possible with the love of his life, Edna Joyce.

He was a fan of football, especially the Miami Dolphins, and he would tell you he was a USC Gamecocks fan but was always happiest when Clemson lost. He would never miss a University of Alabama game as he was also a fan of The Crimson Tide.

His favorite foods ranged from pigs' feet, sardines, Vienna sausages, chicken and rice, catfish & catfish stew, pizza, fried chicken, shrimp, oysters, and oyster stew. If it were not home cooked, a simple trip to Waffle House would be enough to hold him over. There may be a local Waffle House where he had preferred seating, and the staff were often akin to extended family.

His favorite movies were James Bond, The Bourne series, Shooter, and The Godfather Parts I & II. He has watched it every time he saw it on cable in the last few years, and it was a lot, once or twice a week for a while.

He had an astutely clever, clearly straight forward, and often "vintage sense of humor". For those he knew and he considered friends, he had nicknames for all his favorite people, mostly women, whom he came to know in his life.

He had a temper that left no question where he stood and was often stubborn, making you honestly think through the choices you were about to make, or the consequences of what you set in motion. Usually calm, with an easy-going demeanor, all wrapped up in a very unambiguous, sometimes undiplomatic, rarely apologetic, and certainly never sugar-coated personality, he was Rudy, the husband, father, brother, friend, and patriot.

He treated those close to him with the utmost respect and highest esteem. Thank you to Percy, Don, Lawrence, Herschal, Wayne, Daren, Kim, Mark, Louisa, Patricia, James, and so many others on the list of life that made the ride so fantastic. He believed he was blessed to have shared his life with so many people that he cared about and honored to have them at his side.

But to his end, he had a loving heart for God, family, friends, and his country, wrapping them in a hedge of security and compassion. We are reminded in Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance". Rudy lived a good and decent life, dedicated to what the Bible has taught us, and would expect that we all celebrate the memories and the times together after the Good Lord has now called him home.

Zeek has finally joined Clyde again, their souls finding peace with each other's eternal love in Heaven above.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation in Goose Creek, South Carolina. The memorial service will be immediately following at 3:00 PM.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.