

Dr. Warner is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Ann Phillips Warner; daughter Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Warner Agee; son Barrett “Bart” Foster Warner and spouse Tara McPeak Warner; as well as his grandchildren Morgan and Nate Castello, Clay “Boo” Agee, Sam and Clare Warner, Noah Warner, and Jake Warner; and great grandchildren, Aiden Coiner, Remi Agee, and Dru Agee. Additional survivors include his brother Starling Craig " Buzz" Warner and spouse Judy; sister-in-law Mary Warner as well as Peggy Stanton and spouse Dave; John Mergenthaler and spouse Sandy; Augustus Mergenthaler and spouse Cis; Tom Mergenthaler and spouse Kathy; and Benny Mose in addition to several beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Dr. Warner was born in Roderfield, West Virginia to Charles Wesley Warner and Mary Elizabeth Barrett Warner, both who preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his younger brother James Foster Warner and his son-in-law Del Agee. Much of his adult life was spent in Richlands, Virginia where he served the children of Tazewell County in various leadership roles for approximately 30 years. He also spent many Winters as a seasonal resident of Myrtle Beach, where he enjoyed the company of several friends and former neighbors from Richlands while cultivating numerous new relationships. He was a proud 1958 graduate of Welch High School. He held a bachelor’s degree from Concord University, a master’s degree from Radford University, and a Doctorate of Education from Virginia Tech. In addition to his career with Tazewell County schools he taught at numerous colleges including Concord University, the University of Virginia, and Emory and Henry University where he assisted many professionals in maintaining and acquiring required certification. After retiring from Tazewell County he continued to work as an educational consultant for Computer Curriculum Corporation, where he trained teachers in the use of first generation online tools designed to advance their students’ learning.
Outside of his career Dr. Warner had a passion for supporting area children. For numerous years he officiated high school and collegiate level football, and served as a coach and administrator within the Little League baseball organization. In addition to helping found the local league in Richlands, he served as an Assistant District Administrator for 34 years and also worked directly in several statewide tournament events in Virginia.
Dr. Warner has been a faithful member of the Methodist Church his entire life, and served in numerous leadership roles including several terms as a delegate to Annual Conference. His memberships include Roderfield Methodist Church, Richlands First Methodist Church, and Calvary United Methodist Church. During his Winter residence at the beach he was also a regular congregant at Little River United Methodist Church.
Charles Warner leaves behind a legacy of lives touched by his quiet strength, compassion, and steadfastness. He was loved by many who will miss him dearly, but his memory lives on in them.
The family is being served by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home of Waynesboro. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Calvary United Methodist Church, 2179 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.
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