Obituary of Charlie Lee Church

Charlie Church, age 90, of Vilas, the Vanderpool Community, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Watauga County, and the oldest of eleven children born to the late Enoch and Josephine Hicks Church. He was a long time member of Vanderpool Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for more than fifty years. He loved his church family. Charlie was a US Air Force veteran serving as an ambulance driver and medic during the Korean War. He was very well known at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Mountain City. He was there most every Sunday after church enjoying his favorite fried chicken. The staff at the restaurant adored him and knew what his favorite combination was. Charlie worked hard to provide for his family. He was very proficient with his vegetable garden. Always sharing his bounty of vegetables with all of his neighbors and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty nine years, Shirley McLean Church, and his beloved son, Ricky Neil Church. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Edna Henson, Betty Jo Lawrence, and Anna Mae Miller; and two brothers, Bill Church and Jesse Church. He is survived by two daughters, Linda Richards and husband Junior of Vilas, and Brenda Church Howard and husband Gary of Vilas; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Church; two brother, Marion Church and wife Kathy, and Dave Church; three sisters, Janie Lawrence, Margie Brown and Wanda Shelton and husband Jack. Eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. Also numerous nieces and nephews also survive. The family wants to extend a special thank you to everyone at Medi Home Hospice and Palliative Care. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Vanderpool Baptist Church, with Pastor and friend Andy Watson officiating. Burial with military honors, will follow in the Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church, prior to the services, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Memorial donations may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607 Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Church family.