Charles Gregory Dearman

Charles Gregory Dearman, 60, passed away on March 7th, 2021. Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Greg worked in a variety of different careers but his favorite jobs were working in the airline industry. Greg worked for Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, and Delta Air in Greenville SC, Baltimore, MD, and Charlotte, NC during his 20-year career.

Greg's biggest passion was music and percussion and he was involved in playing and directing percussion activity for more than 40 years. He began studying musical education at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville and played in the marching band in Greenville High School and later for Morehead State University. He eventually became the Assistant Corps Director with Carolina Crown percussion and later helped found the percussion ensemble Carolina Thunder. Greg was also the founder of both the NFL Carolina Panthers PurrCussion Drumline and the first director of the NBA Charlotte Hornets Buzz City Brass Drum & Bugle Corps. Greg touched the lives of so many as a mentor and instructor of music and percussion during his long career. He has been described by his former students and band friends as a kind, passionate, fun, patient teacher and a lifelong advocate of music.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Greg is survived by his wife Ruby Ann Penland Dearman, daughter Kayla Dearman, son Austin Brookie (Sherrie), stepdaughter Melissa Harbour, two stepsons Justin Noote and Adam Smith, and two grandchildren Charlie and Lucie. He is also survived by his three brothers David Dearman, Mark Dearman, and Chris Dearman as well as his stepmother Aline Dearman. The memorial service will take place at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 16th in the chapel at the Cremation Society of SC- Westville Funerals located at 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC.