'Southern Charm' star Thomas Ravenel's father Arthur Ravenel dies at 95
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Thomas Ravenel, a former cast member on the reality TV show ‘Southern Charm,’ announced the death of his father, Arthur Ravenel Jr., on January 16 via Twitter. Arthur Ravenel Jr. was a prominent figure in the state of South Carolina, serving as a state senator for multiple terms, a representative in the U.S Congress, and a member of the Charleston County School Board.
Thomas Ravenel made his debut on Southern Charm in 2014, and quickly became known for his controversial behavior and tumultuous relationships with his castmates. Despite this, he remained a prominent figure on the show throughout its run, appearing in all six seasons.
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Arthur Ravenel, Thomas Ravenel’s father, dies at 95
Arthur Ravenel Jr. is best known for his role in the construction of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and was named after him. He made the construction of the bridge a cornerstone of his state senate campaign in 1996 and the bridge opened in July 2005.
Mayor John Tecklenburg of Charleston released a statement upon hearing of Arthur's passing, calling him "a life in full" and "a great friend of the Lowcountry" and expressing that he will be greatly missed. First Congressional District Rep. Nancy Mace also shared her condolences on Twitter, calling him a "great friend of the Lowcountry" and a "distinguished public servant."
Arthur appeared on Southern Charm a few times, alongside his son Thomas, and was known for his words of wisdom and charismatic personality. Thomas shared that he is still processing the loss of his father, and that it hasn't fully hit him yet. Arthur Ravenel is survived by his brother, Edward Ravenel, his wife, Jean Rickenbaker Ravenel and his former wife, Louise Ravenel Doughtery, his six children; Suzanne Ravenel, Arthur Ravenel, III, Renee; R. Brockinton, Eva R. Ravenel , William Ravenel, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Why was Thomas Ravenel removed from ‘Southern Charm’?
In 2019, Thomas pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery but was able to avoid jail time, receiving a 30-day suspended sentence and a $500 fine. He was accused by a former nanny of attempting to kiss her and escalating the situation when she refused, stating that what he did was identified by the law as first-degree forcible rape.
Additionally, in 2015, Thomas was accused of similar charges by real estate agent Ashley Perkins, who said that her mother, Debbie Holloway Perkins, went on a date with the 'Southern Charm' star and that he assaulted her at his home. Debbie did not press charges and instead settled the matter through mediation for $200,000.
Currently, the former reality star is involved in a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, Kathryn Dennis. The new season of Southern Charm premiered on Bravo in October 29, 2022, but he is no longer part of the cast.
