Charles King Sewell

Charles King Sewell of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the age of 93. He died at home, surrounded by his loving wife of 46 years, Catherine, his daughter Samantha, and his son-in-law Richy Stephens.

Born in Austell, Georgia, Charles was the son of Henry Lawton Sewell and Carrie Pearl King Sewell. He grew up with two brothers, Joe and Henry.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of Marietta, and their five children: Charles Kenneth (Kenny) and Ginger Sewell of Canton, John Robert and Stacey Sewell of Douglasville, William Andrew (Drew) and Kelle Sewell of Marietta, Scott King and Dedra Sewell of Marietta, Samantha Sewell Stephens and Richy Stephens of Madison.

He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 4 step great-great-grandchildren.

Charles graduated from Austell High School in 1949, where he played football and basketball. He briefly attended Georgia Tech before earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, cum laude, from Piedmont College in 1954, with double minors in Science and Physical Education. His dream was to become a PE teacher and coach. When he was passed over for an eighth-grade coaching position, he joined the family business, Sewell Dairy Supply, in downtown Atlanta.

The company supplied dairies across the Southeast with stainless steel fittings, rubber boots and gloves, wax paper cartons, chocolate milk mix, and other essential products. An entrepreneur at heart, Charles bought his first company at age 26 from his uncle, Cliff Sewell, producing wax paper cartons for milk. He later merged that operation into the family dairy supply business.

In 1964, Charles saw his first plastic gallon milk jug and immediately recognized its potential. With his younger brother Joe and the support of their father, he co-founded Sewell Plastics. The company grew to five manufacturing plants serving dairies throughout the Southeast. In 1970 they sold it to Dorsey Corporation, with Charles remaining as President. His proudest innovation came in 1976 when he produced the first 2-liter beverage container for The Coca-Cola Company.

Charles grew the business to more than $300 million in annual sales before leaving in 1982. After fulfilling a three-year non-compete agreement, he reentered the industry in 1985 by founding CKS Packaging—the company that carries his initials. Today, CKS Packaging is the eighth-largest plastic blow-molding company in North America, more than twice the size of his first venture, and four generations of the Sewell family now work in the business.

In 1984, Charles received a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Plastics Engineers. In October 2025, he was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Charles loved four things above all: God, his family, CKS Packaging, and Georgia Tech football. A devoted husband and father of deep faith, he cherished the Lord and his family. In his younger years, he coached his sons in multiple sports and won many championships. He also enjoyed golf and fishing whenever time allowed.

Quiet yet remarkably generous, Charles helped many people in need without ever seeking recognition. Both personally and through CKS Packaging, he and Catherine support more than 50 ministries worldwide, including Mount Paran North Church and Mount Paran Christian School.

Charles King Sewell was a true legend in business and in giving. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Paran North Church, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta, Georgia.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences online. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Georgia Tech Football Athletic Department. http://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/78558/donations/new