Charles "Charlie" Trado MD

Charles (Charlie) Elmendorf Trado, MD passed away peacefully at his residence on November 1 at the age of 96. He was born in Henderson, Vance County, NC on October 1, 1929. He was raised on a farm and continued to enjoy the outdoors and being in nature throughout his life. He was the eldest of four sons born to Charles E and Bessie N Trado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Charles E. Trado, III, and a lifelong friend, Jack Vanderoef. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Joyce S. Trado and his children, Charlotte (Scott) Davis, Melanie Trado, Chuck (Caroline) Trado, and Tony (Donna) Trado. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Mandi (Kevin) Harris, Erin (Ryan) LeGrand, Leigh (Jeff) Wozniak, Kadie (Jordan) Adkins, Heather (Will) Mitchell, Garrett (Madison) Kersey, Cristine Trado (Ben Gerhardt) and nine great grandchildren Owen and Ethan LeGrand; Banks, Hayes and Linnie Marz Wozniak; Nora and Harry Mitchell; Barrett Gerhardt and Charles Kersey. His brothers James (Sarah) Trado, Bill Trado, and Richard (Betty Kienke) Trado also survive him as well as a special family friend, Marta Force.

He graduated from Charles Aycock High School in Vance County and went on to attend UNC Chapel Hill from 1947-1951. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He then later attended UNC-Chapel Hill Medical School and graduated in 1959. He interned at Watts Hospital in Durham, NC and completed his residency in General Practice. He then went on to complete an additional residency specializing in Psychiatry at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, NC.

He was assistant Personnel Manager at Corbitt Manufacturing Company in Henderson from 1951-1952. He served in the US Air Force from 1952-1954 where he flew the PA-18, T6 Texan, T28 and the T33 planes. He was stationed in Bainbridge, Georgia; Loredo, Texas and Walters Air Force Base in Mineral Wells, TX. He obtained the rank of 1LT in the United States Air Force. After completing medical school, he joined the NC Army National Guard as a Battalion Surgeon at the rank of Major. He was a founding member of the Medical Arts Clinic in Hickory, NC from 1960-1966. After his psychiatric residency, he founded the Hickory Psychiatric Center. His medical career spanned six decades in Hickory, NC.

He was appointed to the NC Medical Board in 1992 and served as President of that Board. He received the order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was a delegate to the National Board of Medical Examiners and President of the Medical Society of Catawba County. He was a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He served as Chief of Staff of Frye Regional Medical Center, South Campus. He was a gifted speaker and was often asked to give presentations to church and civic groups on a variety of topics.

He enjoyed all sports, especially golf, well into his 80s. He scored four holes in one and shot his age numerous times. He loved to paint and possessed a talent in woodworking. He continued to actively engage in learning throughout his entire life. He persevered through his health struggles. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, November 8th at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Hickory. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm. Interment will be at a later date.

The family would like to thank his caregivers who gave lovingly of their time: Maria Aldea, Mandi Harris (granddaughter) and Alexander Lowe. Also, we appreciate the compassionate care provided by Carolina Caring. And we also thank Peggy Lingerfelt and Jackie Bost for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to; First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601; Hickory Aviation Museum, 3101 9th Ave Dr NW, Box 22A, Hickory, NC 28601; or a charity of your choice.