Charlie died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the loving arms of his wife, Donna, at Riverside Doctors’ Hospital in Williamsburg, VA. He had struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years and is now free. He was a good man who tried to live his faith daily. Charlie loved the Lord from childhood forward and never doubted the presence of God in his life. He took the teachings of Jesus to heart.
Charlie was born in Rocky Mount, NC. He graduated Benvenue High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Elizabeth City State University. He had various jobs during his adulthood. Teaching school at West Point Elementary was one of his favorites as was his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Williamsburg. He worked on the Outer Banks for many years in the maintenance field, most notably at Carolina Designs and Outer Banks Blue.
Sailing was a passion of his. He raced competitively on the Chesapeake Bay out of Hampton Yacht Club. He was a charter member of Seaford Yacht Club as well. He continued racing when he moved to the Outer Banks. Charlie also enjoyed playing golf. Some of his happiest times were playing golf at Seascape Golf Club in Kitty Hawk and Ford’s Colony in Williamsburg. He also loved to sing, loved a good bottle of rum and knew every word of every Jimmy Buffett song.
Charlie is survived by his spouse, Donna; his children: Laura Brown (Edward Fiscella), Scott Dillon (Hailey), Leigh Whitley (Bryan Nicely), Jai Brown (Dawn), Peter Brown, Wynne Secrest (Matt), Mary Miller (Brian), Catherine Strachan, Keith Brown (Tammy) and Kelly Brown; his siblings, A. B. Whjitley, Mary Grace Daughtridge (Tommy), Sylvia Stancil (Jerry) and Kevin Whitley (Jenny); 29 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. His love for his friends was boundless. Special friends include Bruce and Connie Holmes, Gordon and Lettie MacCleery, Doug and Lorraine Price, John and Sharon Paulson and Carey and Dana Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norfolk Catholic Worker, 1321 W 38th St. or the Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3400 Huntington Ave., Newport News, VA.
