Charles Carlton Red

June 6, 1948 - February 16, 2018
Charles Carlton Red

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Williamsburg, VA- Charles Carlton Red, 69, formerly of Stuart, FL died suddenly in Kitty Hawk, NC on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. He was born in Bath , New York on June 6, 1948 to Robert and Marion Red.

He is preceded in death by: his father, Robert C. Red; sister, Nancy Beaumont; father-in-law, Charles E. Gillen, and a sister-in-law, Janet Gillen Dannecker.

Left to cherish his memory: his adoring wife of 37 years, Karen Gillen Red; his mother, Marion Havill Red; mother-in-law, Eleanor Popple Gillen; sister-in-law, Linda Gillen Garvin; nephews, James McKinley Garvin and Max Gillen Dannecker; Nieces, Diana Whipple and Katherine Gillen Garvin Farmiloe; 7 great nephews and nieces; three goddaughters, Corrie Silvia Berry, Tara Hakeos, and Sarah Goble; as well as 3 fur babies, who m he adored.

Charlie was a 22-year employee of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation where he worked in multiple areas, most notably as Speaker of the House, Peyton Randolph. Previously a teacher, Charlie had a deep love of history. So much so that he relocated to Williamsburg with his wife, Karen, in 1988 so that he could combine his skills as an actor with those of a teacher by interpreting with the foundation. In addition to the role of Mr. Speaker, Charlie also portrayed characters in Cry Witch, a man held in the Public Gaol, and Grandpa, a befuddled veteran in a nighttime tavern program. Charlie loved Christmas and enjoyed playing Santa for C W F and A rc of Greater Williamsburg .

To know Charlie was to love him. He loved life and his family and fought to overcome illness and the resulting mobility issues for the past three years. He was fun and funny, kind and generous, but also strong and determined to walk again and he did! Charlie had a deep and abiding faith, the source of his strength. Charlie was passionate about his hobbies, including reading, collecting, and running an antique business with his wife. Unfortunately, he did not accomplish his goal to return to his favorite place, Disney World.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday February 21st at 11 am at Williamsburg United Methodist Church on Jamestown Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Heritage Humane Society or JCC Fire Station #3 .


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  • February 21, 2018
    Mary Begor says:
    Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy.

  • March 10, 2018
    Michelle says:
    Dear Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. When the enemy death strikes, our hearts and emotions are left devastated. May you be comforted beyond measure by our loving Heavenly Father during this most difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3-4) The time will soon come when Jehovah God will resurrect those who have died. (Daniel 12:2)

  • February 24, 2018
    Carolyn Brovero says:
    I remember Charlie Red as a great part of the team at Stuart Middle School!

  • February 24, 2018
    Carolyn Brovero says:
    Karen, I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Charlie from his years at Stuart Middle School. A favorite memory was going to our one and only local theatre with some of the teachers and seeing Charlie on "the big screen" in a full-length movie. He had made it! We were so happy for him! Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  • February 23, 2018
    Bryan S. says:
    Charlie was a good egg. He cared about his craft, his coworkers, and our history. Always generous to visitors, "MRSPKR" was always a pro. Not many old CWF CI's left. May the God of all comfort give you peace Karen!

  • February 23, 2018
    Kee says:
    To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can find comfort from the words at Psalms 34:18 and 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 at the time.

  • February 22, 2018
    Audra Noah says:
    I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts! I loved his great love of Christmas.

  • February 22, 2018
    Danielle says:
    His embrace will be with me always, his whisper in my ear, "if you need anything, anything at all...", his laugh and quick wit will make me smile always and the love that he gave me and my family will not be forgotten. I am a better person for having him in my life. I will cherish my memories and my kids will know all about their "Uncle Grumpy". Karen, you will never be alone. You are my family and we surround you with our love and support always.

  • February 21, 2018
    Greg, Marie and Sarah Goble says:
    Karen and Family, What a wonderful man Charlie was. He was an outstanding Godfather to Sarah (not to mention an amazing "Dogfather"). He will be so missed. We have so many happy memories of being together with you two, especially our very special week in Disney World. Time apart will be temporary -- we will meet again in God's kingdom. Until then, our love for him and our sweet, happy memories of him will keep him close in our hearts always.

  • February 21, 2018
    Rick and Pat Sowers says:
    Rick and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family. May he rest in peace. He truly was a good and faithful servant.

  • February 21, 2018
    Kris Fox (formerly Dippre) Brown says:
    I am full of memories and emotion as I write this. Charlie was my friend, sounding board, and all round good person. He loved being "Mr. Speaker" and was thrilled when he got to do so. A truly good person who cared and respected everyone. I have missed seeing him around CW for some time now, but know that we will meet again someday. Karen, my best to you during this difficult time of loss, hold on to those memories, no one can take them away from you.

  • February 21, 2018
    Doris Warren says:
    Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a wonderful gentleman and I am so glad both Ronnie and I had the opportunity to know him many years and work with him at CW. MY thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • February 20, 2018
    Rick Lawrenson says:
    Reading his obituary told me much about what a great life Charlie lived. I would have liked to sit and talk history with him. So sorry for your loss, Karen. God's comfort be with you. Rick Lawrenson Chaplain, Nags Head Fire and Police

  • February 21, 2018
    Debbie Deal says:
    Karen, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Charlie's passing. Prayers offered up on your behalf that the Lord will surround with you with his love, his comfort and his peace. Try to allow the knowledge that love never dies, and families are eternal to ease your grief. Our lives together are just a blip in the scheme of our creation.....Charley will be waiting for you on the other side . Love to you, my friend.

  • February 21, 2018
    Jane Hanson says:
    Karen, it was a joy to know and work with Charlie at CW over the years. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family.

  • February 20, 2018
    Carolyn Wilson lit a candle:
    Lit since February 20, 2018 at 2:42:00 PM

  • February 20, 2018
    Katherine Miller lit a candle:
    Lit since February 20, 2018 at 2:28:42 PM

  • February 20, 2018
    John King lit a candle:
    Lit since February 20, 2018 at 2:22:17 PM

  • February 20, 2018
    Paula Jeffery says:
    Dear Karen, Charlie's family, and his many friends, I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember many happy memories of him as Mr. Speaker interacting with children and adults alike. Charlie was so engaging that the students would ask me how old he was because they thought he was really from the 18th Century. He and I shared many discussions about our love of history. I was always delighted when I would go on break and get to spend it with Charlie. I will miss you, my friend.

  • February 20, 2018
    Susan Roberts Pryor says:
    I worked with Charlie at Colonial Williamsburg for many years. He was such a fun and entertaining colleague. I will always remember his constant smile and exceptional character performances. My sympathy to his family and friends, it was a pleasure to know and work with Charlie.

  • February 20, 2018
    Lyndi Fedele says:
    All of my love to you, Karen! We are holding you tightly in our thoughts and prayers!!! Xoxoxo

  • February 20, 2018
    Kristen Spivey says:
    Karen, I am pleased and proud to have known Charlie in many of his CW guises. He brought much joy to those who knew him. These last few years have been difficult and he is gone much too soon. May you find peace in knowing that he is with all of his fur babies of the past and they will all be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

  • February 20, 2018
    Cassei says:
    Charlie, we will miss you at the "girls" luncheon. We enjoyed having you there with us.