Charles R. Ibach Jr.

Charles Roland Ibach Jr. passed away peacefully on January 21, 2016. Born in 1922 in Sioux City, Iowa, he spent most of his youth in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of the late Charles Roland Ibach, Sr. and Ruth Whittemore Ibach.

When World War II began, Charlie joined the Naval Air Corp and began flight school. During this time, he met the love of his life, Shirley Lorraine Gately, at the University of Georgia. During the war, Charlie piloted a USN PV-1 Ventura bomber in the Pacific. When he returned to the states, he and Shirley were married in 1945. They enjoyed 66 wonderful loving years of marriage until her passing in 2011.

Charlie earned a degree in textiles from N.C. State University in 1948. As president of Charles R. Ibach and Associates, he was extremely respected in the industry for his achievements and dedication. He was also a partner in Jefferson Mills of Pulaski, VA. In the late 60’s, he worked with his primary customer, Hanes Hosiery and Jefferson, to help develop the Legg’s Pantyhose that revolutionized the hosiery industry. During Charlie’s semi-retirement, he and Shirley enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and many European countries.

Charlie was a long time member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and an Elder, and a dedicated and faithful member of the Rhodes-Johnson Sunday School class. He also was a life member of the Charlotte Rotary Club. Living the golden rule with a gentle smile and demeanor came naturally to Charlie.

Charlie’s favorite past time was golf. He joined Myers Park Country Club in 1959 and, until last year, enjoyed playing 9 holes every Friday. He was also an advanced avid snow skier, and enjoyed going out West well into his 80’s. Charlie also enjoyed hand ball and bridge. He cherished many fond memories with fun family times at their Lake Wylie home.

He is survived by his children, Charles R. “Bo” Ibach, III (Donna), John Whittemore Ibach (Sandy) and Kathy Ibach Horvath (Steve); grandchildren, Charles R. Ibach, IV (Alecia), Lori Starnes (Jon), Virginia Faircloth (Matt), Michael Ibach, Meghan Ibach, Jonathan Ibach, Gillian Ibach, Pender Ibach, Stephen Horvath, Charlie Horvath and Avery Horvath; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Jim Lawton for his wonderful support and friendship with Charlie, and many thanks to the staff at Brookdale South Park for their love and caring.

A memorial service will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, January 27th at 11:00 a.m., with a private entombment at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church.