Charles George Fishburn

Charles George Fishburn, age 81, of Ashland, Virginia went to be with The Lord and his loving wife of 57 years, Patti Fishburn on Thursday, January 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia M. Fishburn; parents, Charles and Ruth Fishburn; sister, Rosemary Earp; and his wife's parents, Richards and Jean Miller. He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane, Washington where he graduated from in 1959 before attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 1963. Charles attended the Naval Post-graduated school in Monterey, California where he received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1968. He also attended George Washington University in Washington DC where he received a Master of Science in Government and Business Administration with a concentration in Management Engineering in 1973. While a Naval Officer, Charles served his country in the Vietnam War. He received a Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and a Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation. After 20 years of dedicated service, Charles retired in 1983. From 1973-2006, Charles taught an array of math, business, and project management courses at the following institutions across the country: Old Dominion University, Golden Gate University, Tidewater Community College, George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, University of La Verne, and Hope International University. In 2006 Charles worked for the Department of Defense at Quantico Marine Base as a Civil Service Employee until 2013 when he retired. He was blessed to spend the next 7 years with his wife, Patti, at their home in Celebrate Virginia in Fredericksburg where they enjoyed entertaining friends and participating in community activities. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Barbara Johnston (Robert) of Virginia and Charles Fishburn of Florida; grandchildren, Christopher Johnston (Vanessa) of California, Ashlyn Peterson (Kristoffer) of Virginia, and Trevor Johnston (Nimisha) of Texas; great-grandchildren, Christian and Andrew Johnston of California, and Mackenzie and Grayson Peterson of Virginia; siblings, Bill Fishburn (Rose) of Washington, Ruth Fishburn of Oregon, Katie St. Hilaire (Ted) of Washington, Paul Fishburn (Raila) of Washington, Irene Cleveland (Ken) of Washington, Jack Fishburn of Washington, Ralph Fishburn (Karen) of Washington, Terri Vilwock (Bill) of Washington, James Fishburn (Marisol) of Florida, and Margaret Gardner of Montana; his wife's sister, Linda Carrier (John) of Mississippi and many other family members. Charles and his wife Patricia will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Virginia. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenAshland.com for the Fishburn family.