Charles was born in Charlotte on December 31, 1923 to Estelle and Charles Preston Howell. He graduated from Central High School, class of 1941. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country as a Quartermaster Second Class on the USS Laning during the Second World War. After his discharge, he worked until his retirement as a Pipefitter. He was a member of Local UA 421 for 75 years.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Verna Brosey Howell; his children, C Preston Howell III and wife, Jamie of Charlotte, Heather Erceg and husband, David of Concord, and stepdaughter Dawn Wolgemuth of Mount Joy, PA. He had three grandchildren, C Preston Howell IV, Bethany M Howell, and Louis J Erceg.
The family will have a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to AU Carolinas/Rollin' Hornets, 1135 Harding Place, Charlotte, NC 28204.
