Charles Willard Sandlin

Charlie, as he was known to family and friends, was born on March 25, 1947, to Vernon Stanley Sandlin and Mary Elizabeth "Mozelle" Hall in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended Greensboro Senior High School, where he met his future wife of 57 years, Diane Sandlin (nee Bennett). Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served at Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) under General Westmoreland. After serving his country, Charlie returned to Greensboro and began his long career in the fire protection industry. Over the next 38 years, Charlie went on to work in every capacity of the industry from sweeping the floors in the fabrication shop to President and Owner, successfully building companies along the way. In 1991, he became one of North Carolina's first certified Professional Engineers in Fire Protection, recognized as one of the few Subject Matter Experts in the field.

Additionally, Charlie was very involved in the development of his community and young people. He served 15 years as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 334, transitioning to the council level as an Instructor of future Scoutmasters. He acted as President of PTA boards from elementary to high school level, was Commissioner of Greensboro Parks & Recreation, and was instrumental in establishing the Fire Protection Technology program at Guilford Technical Community College. Through St. John’s United Methodist Church, he provided further community outreach by volunteering time to Meals on Wheels, and the Urban Ministries’ efforts to feed the homeless.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Mozelle, aunt and uncle Frances and Charles Thacker, stepmother Florence Meetze, mother-in-law Eunice Bennett, and brothers-in-law Don Bennett, James Thomas, and James Meetze. Charlie is survived by his childhood sweetheart and devoted wife Diane, sons Charles Jr. and Christopher, daughters-in-law Barrie Elizabeth and Carrie, and granddaughter Hope. He also leaves behind a beloved extended family, and many longtime colleagues and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tarsha Garvin, Dr. Peter Ennever and his team, Dr. Ripudeep Rai, Dr. Scott Zackowski, the AuthoraCare hospice team of Chrislyn, Stacy, Patty, Dominique, and Chaplain Chris, as well as Corita (Nikki) from Senior Helpers of Kernersville. Each of these individuals ensured that the family's time with Charlie was as perfect as possible.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Charlie's honor this Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2023 at the clubhouse at Deep River Plantation, 4353 Grassy Moss Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina 27409 and anyone who knew Charlie is invited to attend. Visitation with the family will begin at 3:00PM, with services starting at 4:00PM. The family asks that everyone dress casually because Charlie would have wanted it that way. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brenner Children's Hospital and Burn Center (https://www.wakehealth.edu/about-us/about-brenner-childrens/support-brenner).

Charlie's life can best be described as one of service that extended to country, industry, community, and, above all else, his family to whom no better husband, father, hero, mentor, or friend could have existed.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com