Florence, SC Charles Richard Allison died Thursday, January 3, 2013, after a sudden illness. He leaves his wife of fifty-seven (57) years, Kay Reighard Allison; brother Paul Allison of Las Vegas, NV; sister Mary Jane Cafeo of Johnstown, PA; daughter Lisa (David) McBride of Florence, SC; son Joel (Debbie) Allison of Campbell, CA; son Kyle (Cara) Allison of Hewitt, NJ; daughter Lynn (Eric) Moore of Arvada, CO; grandchildren Cameron, Caitlin, Tara, Jillian, Julie, Kyle, Emma, and Maya; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends around the country. The youngest of five children, Charles was born to John and Mary Allison, and raised in Patton, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in February of 1951. He was stricken with polio at the age of eighteen (18), but was able to recover and used the experience to become even stronger. After he attended high school in Conemaugh, PA, Charles graduated from Williamsport Technical School in Williamsport, PA, and married Kay, his childhood sweetheart of many years. Charles' long career started with Royal Typewriter in Rochester, NY, after graduating from Williamsport. He moved on to further positions with companies such as North American Operations of Minolta, Synfax Manufacturing in Fairfield, NJ, and finally Color Image in Atlanta, GA. He was well respected around the world as a pioneer in the imaging industry and well liked by all of his peers. In 2003, Charles and Kay retired to Florence, SC. Charles was a member of First Baptist Church. He was a deacon, helped with Vacation Bible School and the Music and Art Camp, and participated in many senior adult activities. When he was not at church, Charles could always be found working on any number of projects and hobbies at home. He was proficient in woodworking, and crafted intricate doll houses for all of his granddaughters. He had a passion for singing and sang with the Masterworks Choir, the Florence Men's Choral Society, and the Florence Little Theater, as well as the First Baptist Church choir and senior adult choir. In addition to being a soloist, he also sang duets with his daughter Lisa. Although Charles constantly strived to bring honor to God through classical Christian music, he also enjoyed Broadway show tunes, and was known to break out into song and dance whenever he had the chance. An open memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Florence on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 3:00 PM in the afternoon. Pastor Daniel Inabinet will officiate. A closed family Inurnment service will take place in his home state of Pennsylvania at a later date. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the television ministry of First Baptist Church.