Robert Allen Nagel

Robert Allen Nagel Jr. of Mount Pleasant paddled out to catch his final set on May 7, leaving behind a wide circle of loving family and friends to grieve his sudden loss and cherish the many fond memories he created.

He was 76; Al was born on Nov, 19, 1949, in Los Angeles, Calif., where he became a skilled surfer. Generous with his time and talents, he possessed an untiring work ethic, which he developed at his dad's Taco Burger restaurant.

After high school, Al went on, in no particular order, to become a runner for the CEO of Textron Corp., a concert promoter, a florist, a cable TV installer, a real estate agent and a textile plant manager. He could fix just about anything.

Al owned and operated A. Nagel Co., a successful commercial painting business, for more than 30 years until his retirement.

When he wasn't working, he liked to play hard and be outdoors, preferring to stick close to home. Al's love affair with golf was unrequited.

A devout patriot and the son of World War II hero, he put on a full-blown, set-to-music fireworks display for his neighbors in front of his house without fail every July 4th. Around Halloween and Christmas, he would transform his front yard into elaborate seasonal displays.

One of Al's prides and joys followed the destruction of Hurricane Hugo, which wiped out most of his pine trees. With the help of some neighbors, he built an oversized pool that quickly became a social hub. He also instilled a set of rules for the hundreds, if not thousands, of kids who asked "Mr. Al" for permission to take a dip at "Club Nagel" over the years: "No crying, tattling or complaining." (And no gum, either.)

Al also impressed on little ones words to live by: "I'm a good boy/girl. I'm a smart boy/girl. And l will strive to be the best." He was everyone's biggest cheerleader.

A green-thumb extraordinaire, Al's backyard blossomed each spring into a lush tropical wonderland that he took in from his "NASCAR Room," often sipping on a Natural Light and watching the race. He and his family hosted countless poolside birthday parties, wedding showers and Mother's Day brunches, where his homemade Bloody Mary's were legendary. Neighbors often referred to him as the "Mayor of Point Pleasant."

Al was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club. He served as an organizer for many years with the Fishing for Miracles king mackerel tournament in Charleston, helping raise money for the pediatric intensive care unit at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Al is survived by his wife and love of his life, Andrea Hugret Nagel; daughters Ashleigh Nagel Lee (David) and Hailey Nagel Smith (Aaron); four grandchildren, Bizzy Smith, Rockefeller Smith, Nova Lee and Aurora Lee; a brother, Michael Nagel (Patty); in-laws, Kim and Tom Hamel, Peter and Cathy Hugret, and Jeffrey Hugret.

He also is survived by adoring nieces and nephews, and too many heartbroken friends to mention.

A celebration of Al's life was held on May 9. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston. For your convenience, the MUSC Foundation offers the ability to make donations through their secure online donation form.