Justin Jerry Hustead

Justin Jerry Hustead, 78, of Charleston, SC, passed away suddenly of heart-related illness on Friday, October 6, 2023. 

Born on January 12, 1945, in Clarksburg, WV, he was a son of the late Betty Lyon Hustead and Ardis Justin Hustead of Charleston, SC. 

In addition to his parents, Justin was preceded in death by his only brother, Bradford Lyon Hustead of Richmond, VA. 

Justin was a recent past President of the West Ashley Outboard Motor Club in Charleston, SC as well as a former Vice Commodore of the Charleston Yacht Club. He held a UCSG Master License in boating, the highest level of captain's license available. In addition to his love of boating and fishing, he was an enthusiast of cars and racing. He was involved in several local car clubs, including the Antique Automobile Association. He was very proud of his achievements with his 1933 Plymouth all-steel hotrod, and its numerous Best in Show awards. He was extremely knowledgeable about classic cars and could name the year and make of many vehicles by viewing just one car part, such as a steering wheel. 

Besides cars, boating and fishing, one of Justin's favorite hobbies was golf. He was an avid player and a past golf Ranger at several clubs in the Charleston area. Justin was also a fantastic cook.

As a young man, he participated in radio and television announcing. His beautiful, deep baritone voice with a slight southern drawl charmed friends and strangers alike. Careers in his younger years also included retail management, management of a large chain of appliance stores, owner-operator of a dirt racetrack, owner of an auto body repair shop, and owner of an exotic and classic car sales dealership.

After moving to the Charleston, SC area in the 1980s, he began a final career in insurance. He was a commercial agent for years in Summerville, SC. Later, he transitioned to disaster insurance consulting and claims. He traveled throughout the US to assist natural disaster victims. It was on a flood assignment in Texas that he met Carol in 2001.

Justin had an extremely outgoing and charismatic personality, which drew people to him like a magnet. Many loved him for his wonderful sense of humor, very quick wit, and his entertaining storytelling. As a partner to Carol and as a father to his children Jeff and Jessica, he was extremely loving, devoted, and thoughtful. As a neighbor, he was always there to help someone in need, or to hand out a treat to a dog. He was also a lover of animals and a devoted cat owner, especially of his 'shadow', Ebony, who recently passed away.

In later years, he traveled the world with Carol, including many trips to various parts of Europe, Mexico, and French Polynesia. He often commented on how dear those experiences and memories were to him. 

Justin is survived by the love of his life and partner of 23 years, Carol Kathleen Mohr of Charleston, SC; his cherished daughter, Jessica Anne Hustead (Doug Ward) of Midlothian, VA; and his beloved son, Jeffrey Justin Hustead (Joanie Hustead) of Statesville, NC. He also leaves behind his nephew, Zack Hustead; niece, Erin Sutton (Casey Sutton) and his great nephew, Smith Sutton, all of Richmond, VA.

All are invited to attend his memorial service at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home at 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371. It will be held on November 7, 2023, at 2 pm. That evening, an informal dinner and celebration at life will follow, at a venue to be announced.

Expressions of sympathy may also be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.