CHARLES R. WITHERINGTON
Aug. 10, 1950-Oct. 28, 2008
MOUNT OLIVE -- After an unexpected and short fight, Charles Ray Witherington lost his battle with lung cancer.
The family visitation will be held Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin Sunday at 2 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ken Powell officiating; with both the active and retired firefighters of the Mount Olive Fire Department serving as honorary pallbearers.
Active pallbearers will be Steve Martin, Brian Taylor, Greg Wiggins, Stan Ricker, Tyron Kornegay, and Michael Williams. Following the funeral, the Mount Olive Fire Truck Engine No. 2 will lead the funeral procession to his final resting place in the Calypso Cemetery.
Charles, a Wayne County native, was a dedicated firefighter for 28 years. Of those years, he held every officer position in the Mount Olive Fire Department, to include having served as Fire Chief for 10 years. He was a dependable, hard worker for the Town of Mount Olive for 29 years when he retired, only to return part-time shortly after. He worked for the town seven more years before his injuries and illness prevented him to return.
Charles was a loving husband to his wife, Linda, of almost 19 years. He was a great Dad and wonderful "PaPa." Charles Ray also was a loyal and trust-worthy friend to many.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Dickerson Witherington; two daughters, Ann Cree and husband, Brad Mills of Mount Olive, and Kimberly Witherington and husband, Michael McHammer of Mount Olive; one sister, Linda Witherington Beasley of Mount Olive; three grandchildren, Tyler Mills, Kaylie Mills, and Braxton Mills of Mount Olive; two nieces, Barbara Holmes and Jackie Ward of Mount Olive; two nephews, Lee Holmes of Mount Olive, and Patrick Dickerson of Dudley; special friends at the Mount Olive Public Works Department; and a brotherhood of firefighters at the Mount Olive Fire Department.
Charles Ray was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wilbert James and Beulah Mae Deans Witherington.
Charles Ray Witherington was a kind, fair man with a tough exterior who would literally run into a burning building or dig ditches for anyone he loved or called a friend. Anyone who had the honor of knowing or meeting him understands how great our loss is. He is greatly loved and respected by more than even family and friends, and he will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Mount Olive Fire Department, P.O. Box 939, Mount Olive, N.C., 28365.
Arrangements are being handled by Tyndall Funeral Home.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 30, 2008 1:47 PM