Charley Julian Counts

Charley Julian Counts, also known as Chuck, was born on December 3, 1926 in Myrtle, Missouri to Zena Elizabeth and George Napoleon Counts. Zena’s family was related to gospel singer songwriter, Bill Gaither’s family. Charley was the second-born among 6 children in the Counts family. He had two sisters, Mary, and Patricia, and three brothers, Hershel, Wesley, and Paul. Charley’s middle name was in honor of his father’s best friend Julian, who was killed in WW I. Charley and his brothers enjoyed hunting squirrels and rabbits for dinner and swimming in the Black River, located behind their farm. At age 14 his family moved to California where his dad worked for Alcoa Aluminum.

Charley went to school for two summers so that he could graduate early, since he wanted to join the U.S. Navy to serve in WW II. He enlisted on November 24, 1944, at the age of 17, 10 days before his 18th birthday. His father signed off for him to enter the service at age 17. Charley signed up for “duration” (of the war) plus six months. After basic training in San Diego, he completed an 8-week Basic Engineering service school in Gulfport, Mississippi. From Mississippi he was shipped to Bremerton, Washington where he joined the crew of the 2,100-ton destroyer USS Pritchett, D.D. 561 as a fireman first class in the boiler room. His ship cruised up and down off the U.S. Pacific coast, looking for Japanese submarines. When they went to battle stations, his position was a trainer in the forward 5-inch gun turret. He was listed as a Rifle Marksman and a Fireman First Class, USNR V-6 when he was honorably discharged in July 1946.

After the service, Charley settled in California where he married his first wife in June 1947. He and his wife had one son, Daniel. Several years later they moved to Washington. This marriage ended in 1987.

Charley was a skilled tradesman; he worked various construction jobs, including a Hanford reactor, and missile silo sites in Moses Lake and Othello, Washington; a powerhouse, Standard Oil refinery, Fluor Corporation, and Elmco, as a leadman, welding stainless steel pipe in Utah. Later he worked in the Bremerton shipyards as a welder, for AgriFab Welding in the Lockheed Shipyard in Seattle, and for PAC-Car (Pacific Car and Foundry) welding box cars with an automatic welder in Kent.

In 1986 Charley moved to Lynnwood, and later to Bothell. After retirement Charley moved to Kelso, Washington. In 1988, he met Charlene Reed, who he often said was the love of his life and best friend! They married in August 1991. They were blessed with 29 years of marriage when Charley passed.

Charley was an extremely hard worker; he was talented at working on vehicles, boats, and houses. He always loved time spent outdoors: fishing, camping, boating, hiking, and gardening. A lot of grandkids have fond memories of outdoor activities with Grandpa! He was also a great game-player; many hours were spent playing table games with family and friends.

Charley passed away on February 2, 2021 in Longview, Washington. He leaves behind his loving wife Charlene, son Daniel (Becky). Five stepchildren: Jama, Lani (Steve), Diana (David), Kevin (Debbie), Linda (Larry). He also leaves 21 grandchildren: Johnathan (Ashton), Timothy (Melanie), David (Holly), Paul, Shanae, Trevor, Crystal, Tessa, Julie, Kevin, Lacey; Brandon (Keshia), Tarah (John), David (Shelly), Curtis (Jenel), Robert (Nicole), Renick (Cindy), Kristin (Kris), Tiffany (Eric), Charlie (Sandra), Tina (Adam), and 44 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Charley, known to all of us as a kind, honest, hard-working, generous, and loving person, placed his belief in Jesus Christ at the age of 20. He based his faith on John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We look forward to seeing Charley again in Heaven!

Respectfully prepared by ~ Becky Counts