Charles "Charlie" Leonardus Schel

Mr. Charles Leonardus Schel, known affectionately as Charlie, was a man whose life was a rich tapestry of dedication, creativity, and warmth. Born on April 13, 1941, in The Hague, Netherlands, Charlie's journey through life was one marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering spirit of innovation. He passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, in McCormick, South Carolina, due to complications from a stroke, surrounded by the love of his family.

Charlie overcame many obstacles in his young life. His father helped to smuggle Jews out of the country, and he saw his neighborhood bombed during the war. His parents then decided to immigrate to the United States to ensure a better life for Charlie and his two brothers and sister. At age 15 Charlie found himself in Brooklyn, NY. Tragedy soon followed and one year later his dad died. His mother was left with four children and spoke no English. Charlie took over as head of the household. He worked long hours after school to keep the family afloat and they thrived.

Charlie's educational journey culminated in his college graduation, a testament to his intelligence and dedication. With a passion for knowledge, he embarked on a career in education, teaching middle school sciences and touching the lives of countless students with his enthusiasm and wisdom. Later, he showcased his versatility by excelling as a general contractor. Even when the economy turned, Charlie's indefatigable spirit shone through as he founded DSS Global, a company that supplied nutritional supplements to animals and people. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen allowed the company to thrive, he eventually passed the business on to his son, ensuring its legacy would continue. Charlie's interests and talents were as vast as the sky. He possessed the remarkable ability to play any instrument by ear, with the steel guitar being a particular favorite. His musical prowess was not just a personal joy but a shared delight as he played in a band called The Melodeers. His voice was a mellifluous addition to his church choir. Around the campfire, his harmonica playing brought smiles to those near him. Charlie also had a gift for words, crafting poetry that captured the beauty and profundity of life's experiences. Family was the cornerstone of Charlie's world. He is survived by his loving wife, Annette, with whom he shared a lifetime of joy and companionship and his son, Lee, daughter-in-law, Svetlana, and three grandchildren were the light of his life.

There are no services planned at this time.

Beggs Funeral Home Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Charles"Charlie" Schel.