Charles Watson Irvin Jr.

Mr. Charles Watson Irvin Jr., 84, passed away unexpectedly at Whitestone in Greensboro, NC on May 24, 2015. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be at 11 AM, Friday, May 29 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Neil Dunnavant officiating. Interment will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM Thursday, May 28 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel.

Charles was born in Greensboro to the late Charles Watson and Pearl Taylor Irvin. He graduated from Greensboro (Grimsley) High School in 1949 where he excelled at athletics, was on the swim team and played in the band. Charlie was a member of Boy Scouts (Troop 27 in Greensboro), Explorer Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout designation in 1947. At UNC-CH he was a member of the marching band and graduated in 1953 with a B.A in History. During the Korean War he served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956, headquartered at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA where he played trumpet in the Third Army Band and had the distinct honor of playing taps for servicemen of all ranks.

In 1953 he married Mary Elizabeth Sampson, his junior high school sweetheart. Charlie was a life-long active member of First Presbyterian Church, served as deacon, and was a member of Agape Sunday school class. For the past 82 years he has had perfect attendance at church and Sunday school! He loved his country and was a proud supporter of the Republican Party (local, state and federal). Thus he served them well in endless ways! He and Mary hosted numerous functions at their home to further and promote the causes of the Republican Party. He believed in supporting his community as well. For more than 60 years he was a member of the Greensboro Country Club, as well as Greensboro Symphony, Euterpe Music Club, Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Capital Investment Club.

Charlie was a loving husband, supportive and caring father, indulging grandfather and loyal brother and son. His sons will remember that he took time to play ball, golf and tennis with them and never missed cheering them on at various sporting events. He was a true hardworking family man instilling the importance of God, family and community. Not one for idle conversation, he had a quiet and calm manner but when he did speak his great sense of humor or intellectual thoughts always emerged. His positive outlook on life, traits of a true Southern gentleman and generous spirit will be a part of his character his family will treasure. His grandchildren brought immense joy to his life and he took them on many trips to the beach. He and Mary also had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Sampson Irvin; sons and their wives, Dr. Alan and Laura Irvin and David and Alicia Irvin; brother, John L. Irvin and wife Sue; and sister, Doris Kiser and husband Mose all of Greensboro; grandchildren, Christopher F. Irvin of Greensboro, Charles D. Irvin and wife Lisa of Durham, Ashley D. Irvin of Raleigh, Haley E. Irvin, Taylor T. Irvin and Allyson P. Irvin all of Greensboro; great-grandson, David M. Irvin of Durham; and twelve nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Young Life of Greensboro. Online condolences may be made to haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.