Charles, also known as “Charlie or C.G.” was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Wilma Marie Nesbitt Metcalf, in October, 2013, and his brother Lawrence Edward Metcalf. 

 

He is survived by his son, Dr. Douglas Lee Metcalf of Winston Salem (wife Jeannie) and daughter Janice Metcalf Hammond, of Sherrills Ford.  He is also survived by grandchildren Molly Metcalf Freidinger (husband Dr. Brad Freidinger), Dr. Sally Metcalf Lambeth (husband Dr. John Lambeth), Katy Metcalf Baker (husband Brian), and Marcy Metcalf McCauley (husband Patrick).  Charlie also leaves behind eight wonderful great-grandchildren, a sister, Genevieve Metcalf Riley, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Charlie graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville and attended Asheville-Biltmore Jr. College in Asheville before finishing college at UNC-Chapel Hill. He then graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. 

 

Charlie joined the Navy in 1942 and achieved the rank of lieutenant JG.  He served on Subchaser NO. 803 in the Pacific and also served in the northern Atlantic.  On one occasion while in the harbor of Saipan, his craft was spotted by his brother Lawrence who was a medical naval officer aboard another ship in the same harbor and it was arranged that the brothers could reunite for the evening.  It had been two years since they had seen each other.

 

Charlie was a loving husband, father and friend to all who knew him.  He practiced optometry for 40 years in Cherryville before retiring and was a loyal member of First United Methodist Church in Cherryville.  Charlie was a member of the Mens’ Bible Class, the American Legion Post 100, the American Optometric Association and Masonic Lodge 505.  Charlie served on the Board of Directors for the Cherryville Federal Savings & Loan for 35 years.

 

Dr. Metcalf was a remarkably gifted individual who was an inventor, boat-builder, woodworker, carpenter, golfer and fisherman, just to name a few.  He loved his Church, his family and was blessed with a strong Christian faith, a wonderful Church family and many, many close friends.  He was a kind, loving generous, funny, big-hearted gentleman who will be missed by so many.  He has now been elevated to be with the Lord and his loved ones who passed before him, and we who remain are thankful that our lives were elevated by Charlie’s love and kindness.

 

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Cherryville, NC with Rev. Rick Fite officiating.  Burial will follow the service at City Memorial Cemetery with full military rites rendered by Cherryville Post 100 Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:45 PM at the church prior to the service. 

 

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Pink Street, Cherryville, NC  28021.