Charlie Gaddy

Born on September 17, 1931, in Roxboro, North Carolina, to loving parents Charlie and Lydia Gaddy, he was proud to say he was raised in the close-knit community of Biscoe, NC. Charlie’s small-town roots stayed with him throughout a life filled with grace and generosity.

A trusted journalist, gifted communicator, and legendary broadcaster, Charlie delivered the news to WRAL-TV viewers for 24 years. He was admired not only for his professional skill, but for his humble nature, warm Southern charm, and the steady, reassuring tone that made him one of the most respected figures in North Carolina television history.

Charlie earned his degree from Guilford College and served two years in the U.S. Army before beginning his broadcasting career as a page at NBC in Washington, D.C., eventually rising to the role of staff announcer—an early step toward fulfilling his boyhood dream. It was at NBC that he met the love of his life, Nancy Rankin. The two were married on September 3, 1960, and moved to Raleigh that same year when Charlie was offered a hosting position for the “Ask Your Neighbor” radio show on WPTF-AM.

As his popularity with the audience grew, WRAL-TV hired Charlie to host a television version of his radio show on Channel 5. Called “Good Morning, Charlie,” the program showcased just a few of his many remarkable talents – interacting with the viewers on-air, interviewing guests and celebrities, even singing as part of the day’s entertainment.

Recognizing the deep trust he earned from the community through his honesty and integrity, Capitol Broadcasting named Charlie primary news anchor on WRAL-TV in 1974, a position that would make him the face of local television news in central North Carolina for the next 20 years.

Throughout his career, Charlie reported from around the globe, connecting North Carolina to some of the world’s most important events - from Normandy on the 50th anniversary of D-Day, to Saudi Arabia, China, Honduras, and England. At home, he covered major events including the devastating Raleigh tornadoes in 1988, environmental issues, hurricanes, and public forums on pressing topics such as AIDS and school violence. His work here and abroad earned him numerous awards and many television firsts.

But for the viewers and those closest to him, Charlie will be most fondly remembered for his love of people, his ability to shepherd the community through challenge and change, his trusted storytelling, and his kindness and sincerity.

For Charlie, serving the community was a family tradition, part of his DNA he would say. His award-winning “Wednesday’s Child” reports helped children find loving homes. He hosted countless fundraisers for causes including the Duke Children’s Miracle Network, Gulf War military families, and WRAL’s Coats for the Children campaign. His passionate support of United Cerebral Palsy helped raise more than $8 million, and led to the founding of the Charlie Gaddy Children’s Center in his honor—a place dedicated to providing every child with the opportunity to grow and thrive.

A lifelong advocate for education, Charlie served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Methodist College, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. He also served as Alumni Board President for Guilford College, sat on the board of the Cued Speech Center in Raleigh, and was Vice Chair of the advisory board at the Duke Eye Center—a cause especially close to his heart due to his father’s experience with glaucoma.

Charlie was the epitome of a Southern gentleman and delighted in his support of Nancy owning and directing the Raleigh Junior Cotillion. Years earlier, while living in Washington, D.C., he had been appointed an instructor at the Arthur Murray Studio, where he taught ballroom classes and excelled on the dance floor. That early experience served him well in Raleigh, where he and Nancy floated across the floor at the final Cotillion dance each year, delighting her students with their grace and charm.

Following his retirement in 1994, Charlie was inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and was named to the prestigious Silver Circle by the MidSouth Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences. That same year, Pembroke State University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and Governor Jim Hunt awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine—one of North Carolina’s highest honors. In 2012, the City of Raleigh named him to its Hall of Fame, describing him as a “force for good.”

In 2022, Charlie was inducted into the Montgomery County Hall of Honor. He proudly served on the Save the Old Biscoe School Committee, helping to preserve the school as a cherished community center. Throughout the years, he remained devoted to his hometown roots, staying active as a member of the Good Ole Boys of Biscoe and looking forward to reconnecting with the group at their annual breakfasts.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Charlie received further recognition from organizations such as The Arc of North Carolina, the American Cancer Society, and United Way. He was honored with the RTNDA International Award for his coverage of Hurricane Diana, the Best in the Nation Award from UPI for his reporting on the North Raleigh tornadoes, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for “Troubled Waters,” an environmental documentary. In 1992, he was awarded an Emmy for News Excellence.

Other honors include the Iris Award for his documentary “Fisherman of England”; the Halifax Resolves Award for Outstanding Journalistic Support for Historic Preservation and North Carolina History; the Guilford College Alumni Excellence Award and a Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding and Prolonged Service to Guilford College; the title of Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Wake County; the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award; the Cary High School Band Drum Beater Award; and the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award for Outstanding Service in Broadcasting.

Charlie also authored "An Olympic Journey: The Saga of an American Hero – LeRoy T. Walker", a biography of the pioneering track coach and educator at North Carolina Central University, published in 1998.

Charlie Gaddy’s legacy is one of service, empathy, and excellence. He was a devoted husband, a trusted voice, and a tireless champion for children, education, and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In addition to his parents and his beloved “darling” Nancy, Charlie was predeceased by his brother, Robert Paige “Bob” Gaddy, and his sister, Joann Gaddy Grimes. He is survived by his five cherished nieces, whom he fondly called his favorites: Cathy Gaddy Thompson (Warren), Lisa Gaddy Jones (Craig), Kim Gaddy Creger, Emil Burns Mitchell Frame (Terry), and Trenna Burns Fulle (Bill). He deeply loved and adored his great-nieces and great-nephews: Paige Thompson Roberts (Kenny), Elizabeth Thompson Callicutt (Wesley), Graham Jones (Gabby), Nathan Creger (Jaun Sanchez), and Ben Creger (Grace). Ever a joyful lover of children, Charlie gleefully embraced the next Gaddy generation—his great-great-nieces and nephews: Owen Callicutt, Elleanor Jones, and Lilly Roberts. He is also survived by his cousin, James Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie requested that memorial contributions be made to the Charlie and Nancy Gaddy Scholarship for Montgomery County, c/o N.C. Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612, or at https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/CharlieandNancyGaddyScholarship

The scholarship fund provides financial support to deserving students who need help with pursuits in college education.

Charlie’s celebration of life was held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family received guests in the Garden Gallery immediately following the service. A graveside service was held at 2:00 PM at Montlawn Memorial Park.

Charlie’s family would like to recognize the selfless care and support of Dr. Todd Helton and the Boylan Clinic healthcare team; TheKey family of caregivers, including Linda Duncan, Bibi, Flo, Lee, Tenessa, and Bertha; the Transitions LifeCare Hospice team; and dear friends and neighbors—Jane Phillips and James Green and their Lily, Linda Norris, Ann and Irv Pearce, and Frank Evers. We thank each of you for helping us fulfill Charlie’s wish to age peacefully at home, surrounded by the trees and water he loved so deeply.

Deepest thanks are extended to the WRAL family and to the legacy of A.J. Fletcher, Jim Goodmon, and Jimmy Goodmon for their enduring support, heartfelt visits, and the love they shared with Charlie and our family through the years.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St, Raleigh is assisting with the arrangements.