Chuck Barnewolt

In the fall of 1977, he arrived on the campus of the University of Illinois-Urbana, and thus began his lifelong pride in and allegiance to the Fighting Illini. He joined Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, served as its president, and earned a B.A. in economics and political science, all while working full-time to put himself through school. Upon graduation, he headed south and earned an M.B.A. from Duke University. As impressive as his academic accomplishments were, he was most proud of being licensed as a CPA in the state of North Carolina in May of this year. Amazingly, he passed all four sections of the exam on his first try.

Also in 2013, Chuck joined ScottMadden as a financial consultant. He had begun his career in 1983 with R.J. Reynolds International in Winston-Salem. After moving to Raleigh in 1996, he was a loyal and dedicated employee at Exide Electronics, Invensys, Sensus, Inc. and Alliance One International.

Chuck was an avid golfer, spending every Saturday he could on the courses of his beloved North Ridge Country Club. He was dubbed “the General” by his fellow “Festivus” group of golfers, and he relished that distinction. His crowning achievement in golf came on February 14, 2004 when he shot his first and only hole-in-one on the third hole of the Oaks course. It was his “one moment in time.”

He will be greatly missed by his golfing buddies, the early morning crowd working out in the Fitness Center at NRCC, as well as the staff of the Bluebird Grill where he and his wife enjoyed frequent diner status.

Chuck is survived by his wife and best friend of 28 years, Debbie, and his son Fritz, who is his spitting image and greatest thrill in life. They will forever cherish his unwavering devotion to them, and his magnificent strength of character. Also surviving him are his mother, brother Scott (Kay), sisters Terrie Swanberg (Mike), Sharon Keller and Susan Sullivan (Jim), and seven nieces and nephews. His father and infant daughter Samantha predeceased him.

Chuck will lie in state 9 am - 6 pm Monday, December 2 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, for anyone wishing to pay him final respects. The family will receive friends 6 - 8 pm Monday, December 2 at North Ridge Country Club. On Tuesday, December 3 at 11:00 am, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, with Father John Forbes presiding.

As a long-time volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, it was Chuck’s heart’s desire to see a cure for the disease that afflicted him since age 20. To that end, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 7721 Six Forks Road, Suite 136, Raleigh, NC 27615.