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Berkeley B. Altman, born April 26, 1928 passed away on June 26, 2023.
He is survived by wife Faye B Altman, sons Berkeley Jr. and Scott Bradley Altman, granddaughters Darby Altman and Ashlyn Altman all of Charlotte, NC.
Berkeley was born in Mullins, S.C. to Dr Dayton S. Altman and Rosa Witherspoon Altman.
He attended the local schools and was a guard on his high school football team. They won the state class B championship in 1944 and 1946.
Berkeley also was an avid golfer and in his prime maintained a scratch handicap. He was the medalist in the Charlotte Amateur Golf Championship in 1978 with a score of 68. He made six holes in one over his career. In addition he was a founding member of the Cedarwood Country Club board of directors and chairman of the membership committee.
In his teens his mother moved the family to Cherry Grove Beach, S.C. after the death of his father, where he lived until he went off to college. He received a BA degree from Belmont Abbey College and later received a graduate degree for Business and Estate Planning from the Life Insurance Marketing Institute at Purdue University. He was also a graduate of the Life Underwriters and Training Council and subsequently taught courses for them for several years.
Berkeley was drafted into the army in 1951. He spent two years in the Korean War and led a heavy weapons squad as a staff sergeant.
He started his insurance career with Lincoln National Life and became a senior supervisor at the Ray King Agency in Charlotte, N.C. Then became regional sales director for Pyramid Life Insurance Company before becoming the managing general agent for Southern Life Insurance Company. Later he formed the Black/ Altman Insurance Agency in Charlotte.
Berkeley and his wife Faye loved the shag dance and he was inducted into the Shaggers Hall of Fame in 1996 and into the Living Legends in 1992.
He was an amateur theologian, having studied the Bible all his life. He was a fundamentalist who believed that most of the Scriptures were inspired by God.
Berkeley was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife Faye had just celebrated their 66th anniversary. Berkeley was loved by all who knew him.
There will be a celebration of his life later in North Myrtle Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Altman family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Tina McMillan says
So sorry for your loss. With my mama have living across the street from The Altman’s,I remember Mr Altman walking around in their yard and remember him cutting the grass. He would always wave . Prayers to Brad ,Faye and Berkeley,Jr that I’ve known for many years.
Tina McMillan Brooks says
So sorry for your loss. With my mama have living across the street from The Altman’s,I remember Mr Altman walking around in their yard and remember him cutting the grass. He would always wave . Prayers to Brad ,Faye and Berkeley,Jr that I’ve known for many years.
Terry Butler says
Many prayers lifted for family ..He was a sweetheart of a man..
Jennifer Wattenbarger says
Berkeley was such an active guy. I always enjoyed watching him and Faye on the dance floor…love of the dance and love of his partner was obvious. Sincere condolences to the family.
Patti Smith says
We loved watching Berkeley and Faye dance at the pavilion! He was quite a character! Two of the nicest people you would ever meet❤️ I will sure miss him!
Larry and Sally Edwards says
Faye, you know Larry and I will miss your sweet Berkeley. He was such a gentleman and every woman envied you while dancing with Berkeley. Take care of yourself as we’re sure Berkeley is still watching over you. Love you so much.
Carol Church says
My husband and I knew Berkley and Faye for many years. We were neighbors with his cousin, Patsy Leonard in Gastonia for years. Berkley was a great man and we thought the world of him and Faye. He loved the shag and beach lifestyle and lived it. He was always a friend to us. We’ll miss you. Love and heartfelt sympathy to Faye.
Shelia McGarity says
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Berkeley. He and Faye were our special friends. We always knew that he loved Me and Ham and he knew we loved him too. He will missed by so many. Our prayers go out to Faye and the family.
Fran Wells says
AV & I always enjoyed running into Berkeley & Faye at SOS as well as other Shag events. Berkeley & AV always bantered back & forth teasing each other unmercifully. They had much in common including the love of the Shag..both excellent dancers, good golfers, Bible Scholars & worked in insurance.
Sarah Bean Bean says
I was so saddened to hear of Berkeley’s passing.
I loved to watch he and Faye dance and could they ever!!!
Love and condolences to Faye and family and he will certainly be missed):
Felix & Debbie Smith says
Please know we are sadden to learn of Berkeley’s passing. Such a great friend and I loved playing golf with him. A true gentleman golfer and man. He and Faye were meant for each other. May God’s Peace Shroud you all .