College of Charleston Athletics Hall of Famer Bernard F. Puckhaber passed away at the age of 87 on Dec. 26, 2014.
A Lowcountry native, Puckhaber joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from Charleston High School in 1945. Following his Naval service during World War II, he studied history and minored in economics while dominating the guard position for the Cougars (formerly nicknamed the Maroons). Puckhaber graduated from The College in 1950 with a liberal arts degree. During the 1949-50 season, he was the fourth-leading scorer in the state of South Carolina and was selected as a first-team all-state selection.
Equally skilled on the tennis court, Puckhaber was one of CofC’s top players facing competitive teams such as Wake Forest, NC State and Clemson. He returned to The College in 1956 as head basketball coach. Known by friends and colleagues as Bernie, his credentials on both the basketball and tennis courts were impressive, but it was his generosity and good spirit that Puckhaber’s friends and family admire most. He was recognized for his significant contributions to the athletics program with his Hall of Fame induction in 1985.
In the community, Puckhaber served as Hibernian President from 1970-72. In addition to his service to the Hibernian Society, he served as President of the Exchange Club of Charleston and on the College of Charleston’s Board of Trustees and Foundation Board. Puckhaber also served on the Board of the Directors for the Charleston Cancer Society.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Stender Puckhaber, his daughter Susan Allen Puckhaber, his son, Edward Allen Puckhaber and his wife, Berta, his only grandson, Matthew Edward Puckhaber, his brother, Edward Puckhaber of Mobile, Ala., his nephew Joseph George McInerney III and his wife, Cammie, his nephew, Thomas Allen McInerney, his niece, Faye Alyce Jamison and his nephew, Robert Timothy Jamison. He was preceded in death by his sister, Camilla Puckhaber Jamison.
Memorials may be made to: Hibernian Society Building Fund, P.O. Box 134, Charleston, SC 29402 or St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, 89 Hassell Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Puckhaber’s guestbook may be signed online at:www.JamesAMcAlister.com.
