Charles E. Atchison Sr., founder of Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Atchison Transportation Services, died on Nov. 4 at his home. He was 95, according to his obituary.
Atchison’s legacy in the transportation industry spans over six decades. In 1949, he founded Atchison Transportation Services with a single taxicab, bus, and limousine. The company grew into South Carolina’s largest and most diverse fleet, known as “The People Movers.”
Its services include airport shuttles, motorcoach charters, black car services, and helping corporate groups, churches, schools, and communities travel in style. Atchison Transportation also is the official ground transportation provider at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
In 2016, the Minority Economic Development Institute honored Atchison with the Legendary Businessman of the Year Award, recognizing his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering minority entrepreneurs.
He also received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America Palmetto Council for his dedication to providing transportation for underserved youth in Spartanburg.
Atchison’s contributions extend beyond transportation. He also owned Atchison Enterprises, a real estate company that offered rental properties in Spartanburg. A portion of East Kennedy Street was named in his honor to commemorate his impact on the community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 S. Converse St., Spartanburg. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 2256 Cannons Campground Road, Spartanburg.
