McSwain-Evans Funeral Home

Dr. Charles G. Jeremias, 90, of Newberry, widower of Lephon "Lee" Jeremias, died Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Born on July 8, 1920, in Marlboro, MA, he was a son of the late Constantine Nicholas and Ruth May Mather Jeremias. He graduated in 1942 with honors with a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Georgia and obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1949 from Tulane University. Dr. Jeremias in his early working career was a research chemist for Tennessee Eastman Company in Kingsport, TN. He later joined the staff of Newberry College as Acting Head in 1962, becoming Professor and Head of Chemistry Dept. in 1964. During his tenure at Newberry College he served in that capacity until his retirement in 1984. He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Chemistry for Newberry College that same year.

He was a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Chemical Society, Fellow American Institute of Chemist, the American Association of University Professors and the South Carolina Institute of Chemists. He was also acknowledged during his lifetime for his contributions in numerous publications such as the Dictionary of International Biography--England, The Two Thousand Men of Achievement--England, The International Who’s Who in Community Service, and Outstanding Educators of America. He held the 1955 patent for "Improved Process for the Preparation of Alkyl Alpha Cyanoacrylates", better known as "Super Glue" as well as other patents obtained during his Professional Career.

He was an active rose gardener who held membership in the American Rose Society and the South Carolina Rose Society and was a founding member of the Newberry-Saluda Rose Society. He held numerous positions within each of the rose societies. He was a consulting rosarian and life accredited judge of the American Rose Society. He hosted the Victory Garden, an ETV and HGTV Show in his garden in 1986 which became their longest program ever aired featuring the rose. For many years his garden was opened on Mother’s Day to allow people from across the country to enjoy. He was the author of numerous publications in the ARS Annuals, Magazine and South Carolina News Letter. He restored the rose garden at Rose Hill Historical SC State Park, consulted with the Mt. Vernon Estate in Virginia on period garden renovation., and established the first Rose Garden at Callaway Gardens in Georgia. He was instrumental in having the Rose named as the National Floral Emblem in 1986.

Dr. Jeremias was honored in 1972 to serve on the Honorary Board of Advisors of the American Biographical Institute, as an Outstanding Consulting Rosarian of the Carolina District of the American Rose Society, and received the Silver Medal Award for Distinguished Service to the Carolina District of the American Rose Society. He became President of the American Rose Society in 1989 having served in many other offices prior to that time. He received the Order of the Palmetto in 2000 in recognition of his interest and friendship to the state of South Carolina and her people.

Surviving are his son, Charles Palmer (Chuck) Jeremias; a daughter, Donna Jeremias Brummett and her husband, Terry; two grandchildren, Anthony Wayne (Tony) Brummett and his wife Tara; and Terna Louise Brummett Rushing and her husband Mike; five great-grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the home of Terry and Donna Brummett, on Calhoun Street from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, July 23. Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in Washington, GA on Sunday July 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Harmony Hospice, 100 Ashland Park Lane, Ste K, Columbia, SC 29210; The American Kidney Foundation, The American Rose Society or a charity of your choosing.

A memorial message may be written to the family by clicking the "Add Condolence" link below.