Charles L. Appleby, Jr. spent the bulk of his working life as a manufacturer's representative with the Giant Portland Cement Company of Florence, South Carolina, but he may be best remembered for his role in developing the Republican Party in South Carolina and his dedication to the community of Florence. He served as chair of the 6th District Republican Party from c. 1980 to c. 1991 and was a delegate to the 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2004 Republican National Conventions.