Charles Alvin Oswald

Dr. Charles Alvin Oswald, went home to be with the Lord on August 28, 2014 at Frye Medical Center. Born March 11, 1949 in Belle Glade, FL, he was the son of the late Rev. Bill A. Oswald and Robbie Lee Howell Oswald.

Charles was a man of many passions, adopted as a child he longed to find his roots. He pursued his genealogy over the course of 40 years, documenting some 20,000 names in his records. Through this research he recently discovered his brother and 2 sisters, who were previously unknown to him. Though their time together was short, it was fulfilling and brought him great joy. God blessed Charles with great passion for helping the needy, and he logged many hours as an attorney providing services to the church and needy families. Charles loved music and played the keyboard every day; among his favorite were energetic performances of the late Jerry Lee Lewis. Charles authored several books… to include Gone with the Western Wind, Trail to Beginning’s End and he honored the military service of his father-in-law as an aviator, through his book First Flight. Charles was always learning, and received a JSD (the highest academic doctorate in law). He loved sharing his knowledge through his honorable role as professor at Appalachian State University. Charles was a perfectionist who always gave more than was ever expected. Often identified as an “international man of mystery”, Charles’ business experience spanned most of known world. Among his innumerable accomplishments were service in senior roles at Fortune 500 companies, and he was quoted in over 70 publications. But he was actually just a cowboy at heart who loved visiting his Colorado cabin with family, and working on the ranch with his grandchildren who would play the role of ranch hands. Charles enjoyed shooting clays and feeling the wind of the ride on motorcycle with friends. With all the wonderful goodness and heart that Charles had, his greatest passions though are his family and his walk with Christ. Following in the legacy of his father, he served God. He served as Deacon and Chairman of the Board of Deacons for many years. Charles was a unique man that touched many. He was a man with a heart that was larger than life, a man that truly enjoyed each moment and the adventure of life. Charles and his wife Ann were married 45 years. Ann met Charles at fifteen and lived a beautiful, storybook life with an amazing man. Charles will be missed greatly by many, but through this life, so many were touched by him.

Charles is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann Bard Oswald of the home; sons, Charles Edwin (Chad) Oswald and wife Heather of Atlanta, GA and Christopher Ian Oswald of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Ashley Oswald Holdeman and husband Leelan James of Colorado Springs CO; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher, William and Matthew Oswald and Caleb and Ariel Holdeman; brother, Rodney Metcalf of Trenton, FL; and sisters, Kathleen Carper of Moore Haven, FL and Sandra Plunkett of Byron, GA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at Tri-City Baptist Church in Conover with Rev Ruffin Snow, Rev Byron Repass and Rev Ron McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Hickory.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

Flowers are welcome. Though, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Tri-City Baptist Church Building Fund, 1409 Hwy 16N, Conover NC 28613 or the Chuck Colson Prison Ministry – www.prisonfellowship.org .