Charles "Charlie" Winton Tomlinson

“That we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us. “ Helen Keller. Charles W. Tomlinson, fondly known as Charlie to all of his friends, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, October 13, 2018. Charlie was born in Hillsborough County, FL, on March 31, 1940, he was the son of the late Leslie Hawkins Tomlinson and Minnie Brown Tomlinson Hare. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Nolan and a brother James Tomlinson. He is survived by his wife Brenda Nance Travis Tomlinson of the home; a daughter Amy Loyer and husband Dan of Conover; a son Rev. Andy Travis and wife Connie of Morton Grove, IL; granddaughter Madison Loyer of Conover; grandson Christian Travis of Morton Grove, IL; a daughter Charlene Newsome of Roxboro; a son Danny Tomlinson of FL; granddaughters Morgan Baum and husband Taylor of FL and Kaylyn Ramey and husband Chris of Roxboro; grandson Beau Newsome of Roxboro; great grandchildren Colton, Wyatt, and Adylyn; sisters Louise Hudson and Virginia Evans both of Valrico, FL. Charlie was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to everyone. He served in US Navy, during the Vietnam Era from 1957-1961. Charlie was an avid gardener and farmer. He loved spending time outdoors with his animals, riding his golf cart, watching sunrises and sunsets and planting all kinds of vegetation. Traveling with his family to Sunset Beach, Disney, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and many other destinations where memories were created will be cherished by his family. Poppy, as he was lovingly called by his two grandchildren, will be remembered by the time spent each summer when the grandparents took them on special adventures across the country. While not spending time with family, Charlie worked as a diesel mechanic for Carolina Freight, Carolina Caterpillar and JK Landscaping. He was awarded the All American Team Award in 1991 for exemplary achievement by Carolina Freight. Charlie ended his career with JK Landscaping where he considered these men family rather than coworkers. It was often said that there wasn’t a stranger that Charlie didn’t know while living life as an honest, Christian man. He was loved beyond measure and his sweet spirit will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm at Highland Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 4:00 pm at Highland Baptist Church with Reverend Kenny Robison officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 48. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or Highland Baptist Church Joymakers 828 9th Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Arrangements are with Hickory Funeral Home.