Henry Wedemeyer Theiling, a Charleston native and World War II veteran who served in uniform most of his adult life, holding several commands, died Friday. He was 84.

A year after graduating from Charleston High School in 1939, Theiling joined an apprenticeship program at the Charleston Navy Yard, studying ship fitting. He began his military career in 1942, receiving his wings and a commission as 2nd lieutenant in 1944, then left for Europe where he was a B-26 bomber navigator flying missions over Germany and Central Europe. After the war he joined the U.S. Army Air Force Reserve and settled into a civilian Navy job back home.

He joined the S.C. National Guard, Washington Light Infantry, in 1949, becoming Company B commander four years later. From there he went to the First Battalion, assuming command of that group in 1970.

Theiling was a member of the Washington Light Infantry for 58 years. In 1980, he retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard with more than 40 years of civilian service, but then returned to serve the state when he organized the 3rd Brigade of the South Carolina State Guard in 1981.

He was named commanding general of the State Guard in 1984.

Theiling is survived by his wife Virginia, four sons, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Theilings celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Nov. 16.