Charles Arthur Gilchrist

Charlie Arthur Gilchrist passed away from this world on May 28^th, 2024, after suffering a stroke.

Charlie was born May 6^th, 1939, in Harnett County NC to Edgar and Mary Hobby Gilchrist. He spent his younger years in Harnett County and graduated from Benhaven High School in 1957.

In 1962 Charlie was introduced to Louise Gaines by mutual friends in August. They quickly fell in love and were married that December in Bear Creek, NC where they began their life together. Their daughter Lisa was born in 1969.

Charlie worked maintenance at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford for a few years before moving to Townsend Farms where he did maintenance and electrical work for 34 years. Charlie loved helping friends in the community and did many jobs as an electrician, welder, and any maintenance work needed and continued to do so later into his life.

One of Charlie’s proudest accomplishments was his dedication to the Masonic Lodge and Shriners Organizations. He was a 60-year member of the Mt. Vernon Lodge #143 where he became the first member to achieve all three degrees in the present lodge. He was a charter member of the Amran Shrine and was dedicated to improving the lives of others through his service to the community.

Most of all, Charlie loved his family. He was “Uncle Charlie” to numerous nieces and nephews, but his proudest title was Pop. Charlie was a dedicated, patient grandfather who spent all his free time attending softball games and enjoying life on the farm with his 5 granddaughters. He loved attending yard sales with Louise and traveling to see his family.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his older brothers James, Gene, EJ, Johnny, Alvin, and a younger brother Sandy Gilchrist.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Louise of the home; and 2 children: Lisa Gilchrist Gaines and husband Randy of Bear Creek; and Louise’s son Ricky Gaines and wife Kim of Bear Creek.

Pop Charlie also leaves behind 5 grandchildren whose lives were very much shaped by his love and constant presence: Marlene Gaines of Jefferson; Christi Shaw and husband Eric of Bear Creek; Shelby Stitcher and husband Nathan of Hays, KS; Sarah Cebra and husband Ian of Sylva, NC; and Madison Gaines of Bear Creek.

Charlie is also survived by great-grandchildren Marlee Stonecipher of Jefferson, Kagle Pilkington of Pittsboro, Claire Harman, Brett and Eli Shaw of Bear Creek, Theodore, and Edwin Cebra of Sylva.

Charlie also leaves behind a sister, Sue Kelly of Green Cove Springs, FL and several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

The family will receive friends and family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday May 30^th at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at Hickory Grove Baptist Church on Friday, May 31^st at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Darrell Garner and David Hicks officiating. A burial will follow at Hickory Grove cemetery.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Gilchrist family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com