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Charles “Charlie” Carlyle Stratford Jr., 94, of Tryon, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. He was born in Spartanburg, S.C. on June 9, 1929, to Charles Sr. and Mary Stratford.

Charlie graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1948. He went on to major in Economics and minor in Sociology from Wofford College. He also was active in the ROTC and went on to join the US Army in 1955. He earned the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he worked at Stratford Motor Company. He later joined Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1960 in sales and would retire as manager in 1992. In his retirement, he would volunteer at the Habitat ReStore.

Charlie had a number of hobbies, including antiques, gardening, and cooking. Most of all, he enjoyed playing duplicate bridge (both men’s and couples) and he was a silver master player. He also was a member of the Tryon ABC board for 33 years and five of those were as chairman of the board.

He was a member of Tryon United Methodist Church from 1967 to the present. He was involved as a greeter and usher. His faith was a guiding force in his life but he loved his family most of all. He was always there for his family’s big events and wanted to make sure everyone was having a great time. He never met a stranger and would make a point that whoever he met would be left with a smile. His friendly personality and warm smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 66 and a half years, Jean Stratford; his son, Charles “Bo” Stratford III; and his brother, John Stratford.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Langston (Cliff) of Burlington, NC and Judy Gamble (Mark) of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren, Heather Kimbro (Chandler), Jordan Stratford, David Gamble, and John Gamble; his great-grandchildren, Langston Kimbro and Ford Kimbro; and many other loving extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Tryon United Methodist Church,  195 New Market Rd, Tryon, NC 28782. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tryon United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.

 

McEwen Funeral Service

Charlotte, NC