Charles Ernest Friend

Charles Ernest Friend, 82, passed away on February 20, 2017. He was the son of Charles Edward Friend, Jr. and Anne English Friend and grandson of Charles Edward Friend and Mabel Winne Friend, all longtime residents of Williamsburg.

He received his bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and graduate degree from the American Institute for Foreign Trade, in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Friend served two tours in the United States Air Force and subsequently attended the Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary, where he was editor-in-chief of the “William and Mary Law Review.” In academics for nearly two decades, he taught law at William and Mary, Virginia; the University of Richmond, Virginia; the University of Houston, Texas; Campbell University, North Carolina; and George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. He directed the University of Richmond’s summer law study program in England and was acting dean at Richmond. He held the Distinguished Educator Award from Richmond and the Professor of the Year and Outstanding Professor awards from George Mason. He practiced law in Richmond in 1969-70, and then was in private practice in York County from 1970-72. He was president of the York County Bar Association in 1971-72. He was commissioner in chancery of the York Circuit Court 1970-72, substitute judge of the York County Court in 1972. Friend was editor of the Virginia Bar Association Journal from 1974-1998. He also was author of several books including “The Law of Evidence in Virginia,” “Personal Injury Law in Virginia,” “Friends’ Virginia Pleading and Practice,” “Police Rights: Civil Remedies for Law Enforcement Officers” and many novels, including westerns and historical novels. He also wrote many magazine articles and law enforcement training papers.

He was active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission of the City of Williamsburg. He also served for many years as a legal instructor at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Ann Fejedelem Friend of Williamsburg. His daughter, Victoria Anne Friend Broyles of Macon, Georgia, preceded him in death in 2012.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, and Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Arrangements by Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsencares.com.