Charles was born in Beaver Creek, NC (Jones County) on March 6, 1929. He was the fourth of eight children of Lillian Gray Ferrell and Charlie Ferrell. After graduating from Contentnea High School he served in the U.S. Navy as a radio telegraph operator stationed in Guam during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he attended North Carolina State University, where he graduated in 1956 as a member of the Tau Beta Pi Society with a degree in Civil Engineering.
After a successful career in his chosen field, Charles founded a steel fabrication enterprise, Central Steel Company in Durham, NC in 1972. He supplied the steel and often the architectural drawings for shopping centers and commercial building across the Southeast, helping to advance the massive economic growth of US based Fortune 500 companies in the 80s and 90s.
After retirement in 1993, Charles and his wife Christie traveled extensively around the world. They also enjoyed annual beach vacations with their growing families at the Isle of Palms. Theatre was a favorite interest, from ballet in St Petersburg to Broadway in New York City. But at heart, Charles most enjoyed the role of gentleman farmer. He loved the land and bought several rural farm properties and spent his time improving them.
Charles is survived by his loving wife Christie and his children Charlene Newsom, Stanley Ferrell (Donna), and Diana Howard (Bill): and his stepchildren Lee Hill (Shelly) and Jeff Hill (Amy); and seven grandchildren: Lillian Newsom, Abigail Newsom, Sean Ferrell, Taylor Hill, Patrick Ferrell, Dunning Hill, and Reed Hill.
With a life that took him from the tobacco fields of North Carolina to the helm of a successful company, Charles was equally at home enjoying a Bojangles’ bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit while tending the fields at his farm or slipping into a pair of Ferragamo‘s for a meal at a Michelin three-star restaurant. His passion for education and hard work were only surpassed by his love of family. To the very end, family brought a smile to his heart and a song to his lips. Charles, you are our sunshine…
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service Chapel at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412. A reception with family will follow the service.
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