Ernest ‘Anastasi’ George Charles

Ernest ‘Anastasi’ George Charles, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, Uncle, ‘Theo’, cousin, Godfather, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by his cherished family on September 10, 2025.

A Raleigh native, Ernest was the son of the late George and Mary Charles, Greek immigrants and founders of the historic 1940 Roast Grill diner in Raleigh and was preceded in death by his dear sisters, Pauline Vassilion, Freeda Poniros, and Helen Nixon.

He leaves behind his greatest treasures: his children, George Ernest Charles and wife, Rhonda; Mary Charles Edwards and husband, JP; and his cherished grandchildren Jaxton Edwards, Emilia Charles, and Evi Charles. He is also survived by a great, big, fat Greek family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will carry his memory forward with love, honor, and joy. He was a man who loved deeply all he knew and continued to love and respect the mother of his children, Anna Buckey.

Ernest was a proud graduate of Broughton High School’s class of 1956, which was originally the historic Hugh Morson High School when he started, and he played the trumpet in the marching band. He went on to graduate from North Carolina State University in 1961, with a degree in Industrial Engineering and remained a lifelong Wolfpacker, known far and wide as one of the best tailgaters of his generation.

Ernest built a long and respected career with Great American and Aetna insurance companies, eventually retiring from Travelers, all while sharing his humor, poetry, love of music (especially his beloved Frank Sinatra), and quite often hot Krispy Kreme donuts to soften the sting of being less than punctual. He served his country in the United States Army and then served for many years volunteering his time at the American Legion Post 1 of Raleigh, though always quick to say, “never served overseas but was ready to go,” honoring with humility the deeper sacrifices of others.

More than his accomplishments, Ernest will be remembered as a giver. In 1976, he gave the gift of life when he donated his kidney to his sister Pauline, extending her life by twelve precious years.

Ernest lived life fully as a funny, loud, and kind jokester who loved and was always a winner at Poker, Rummy, Trivia, Bingo, and Scrabble. His family will carry on his tradition of singing “Sunday Morning Sunshine” by Harry Chapin at the annual family beach trips and are so thankful to him for bringing his Sunday morning sunshine into our lives each day.

Memory Eternal, good and faithful servant, Anastasi. His mother (Ma) surely has a delicious steak waiting just for him, smothered in love.

A visitation was held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with Trisagion prayers which began at 5:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612.

A funeral service was held on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (Capital Campaign), 5000 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Charles family.