Charles Edward Fair, Sr., 85, of 420 Boone Road, passed away Monday morning, January 18, 2010 at Morehead Nursing Center in Eden. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 20 at Leaksville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Overlook Cemetery. Mr. Fair was born August 28, 1924 in Leaksville, NC, son of the late Alva E. and Isabelle Hopkins Fair. He was a 1941 graduate of Leaksville High School and a World War II Army veteran serving as a medic in England, France, and Germany. Mr. Fair was a member of Leaksville United Methodist Church. He attended Case- Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and graduated from Cleveland College of Mortuary Science in 1947. He was co-founder and former co-owner of Fair Funeral Home. He served as both, vice-president and treasurer of the facility for over 50 years with integrity and dignity. Mr. Fair was a member and past district director of the NC Funeral Directors Association. Mr. Fair was very active in his community throughout the years. His civic involvement includes serving as a charter member and past president of the Tri-City Jaycees, former director of Leaksville Chamber of Commerce, a captain and pilot for the Civil Air Patrol, member of the Rockingham County Pilots Association, served as secretary-treasurer for the Lawson Cemetery Fund, and a member of the Eden Preservation Society. In addition to being a Boy Scout volunteer (Troop #584) he served the community in many charitable ways throughout his life. Though a history buff and antique auto enthusiast, perhaps his greatest passion was his lifelong love of flying. Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Alma Pender Fair of the home; son, Charles Edward Fair, Jr. of the home; daughter, Ann Fair Hayes of Hickory; three grandchildren, Marc Warren Hayes of Hickory Alva Lewis Fair, Jr. and wife, Amanda of Eden, and Margie Finney and husband, Charles of Eden; and three great-grandchildren, Michael, Nathan, and Aidan Fair of Eden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Alva L. Fair, Sr.; his two brothers, James M. Fair, Sr. and Dexter T. Fair; and sister, Caroline Evelyn Fair. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, 7 - 9 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be offered to the Fair family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
My condolences to the Fair family at the loss of Charles. The Fair family has probably touched more lives than any other family in Eden. They handled the funeral services for both my Mother and my Father, and I distinctly remember Charles working with my mother and me at the time of my Father's death. Charles and my uncle Hop Adkins were very close friends and Hop's widow has sent her condolences. May God bless the Fair family in this time of loss. Jimmy Adkins
James Adkins
Chuck and other family members: Please accept my sincerest sympathy in your loss of Charles. The Fair family has always seemed like an extension of the Manuel-Thompson family for as long as I can remember. I remember stories my Grandmother Maggie Manuel would tell about your Grandparents, all of which are fond to remember. As a funeral service, you all have served our family in the past with the deepest respect and acommodations, all of which will never be forgotten. As we have talked recently, Chuck, I know you have been the backbone and unfailing help to your parents and I admire you so much for your diligence and acts of love for them only show what a good son you are. Please know you and the rest of the family are in our prayers. Please find assurance that now Charles is resting in the arms of Jesus.
Debbie Thompson Horton
My sincere condolences to the entire Fair family at the loss of Mr. Charles. I remember my mother telling me how the Fair brother's sang at my grandfather's funeral and what great voices they had. Your loss is our loss too. Again, my prayers are with you.
Hilda Shockley Jones
To Al, Margie and the entire Fair Family. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of friends. May you each find peace in the memories of your loved one.
Stephanie Roberson
I first met Charles Fair 60 years ago and over the years I have had the pleasure of seeing and talking with him many times. He was a person whom I highly admired. His legacy will be long remembered.
Donnie Stowe
ANN, CHUCK AND AL, PLEASE ACCEPT MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME. HAVING KNOWN YOU ALL AS WELL AS CHARLES AND ALMA FROM THE HIGHLAND DAYS, A FINE MAN HAS GONE. IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE IN YOUR HOME AS KIDS AND AFTER WE ALL GREW UP. PLEASE GIVE ALMA MY LOVE. BRUCE LEE
BRUCE LEE
To the family of Mr Fair I have never met anyone who was as kind and sweet as Mr Fair. He will be missed by all that knew him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to each member of his family.
Brenda Goad
Chuck and Fair family- We are very sorry to hear of Mr Fair's passing. You have our sympathy and are in our prayers. David, Rhonda, Joseph Price
David and Rhonda Price
Friends, accept my heartfelt condolences at Mr. Fair's death. Even though you are "in the business" of death, grief and bereavement, it is certainly different when it is one's own loved ones. Know of my prayers for you all. --Chaplain Marcia McQueen
Rev. Marcia McQueen
Ann, I just found out about your Father. You, Marc and your Family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will let Judy know. When you get back to Hickory, please, let's get together. Love you and God Bless, Carole
Carole Crisp
My prayers are with you all.
Harriett R Smith
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sherry Leonard Noble The Messenger Line
Sherry Leonard Noble
To The Fair Family: Eden has lost one of our GREATS. On behave of my Mother (Margret) and our entire family, Please accept our heart felt condolences. Charles is with Uncle Curt and Aunt Heida now. Together again. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
C.D. Grant
Chuck and the rest of the family: As Commander of The American Legion , William Johnson Post 534, let it be know that our entire Post sends our heart felt condolences to you all.Charles has left this life to accept a position at a higher headquarters.
C.D. Grant
This is to Al: You probably don't remember me, but I was at Fayetteville Tech.,about to graduate when you began your funeral service studies there. Was sorry about your Grandpa. It sounds as if he was a super guy, and I am sure he was that. Know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of all the funeral directors across the state. Dwayne Summerlin Tyndall F.H., Mt. Olive, N.C.
Dwayne Summerlin
Alma, Chuck and Al, We are so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. We were praying for him.I have such fond memories of Charles as I was growing up.
Larry and Susanne Swinney Bryant
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Fair. He was such a kind & gentle man. I know this is a hard time, may God be with the family at this time of loss.
Tinker Rush
So sorry to hear of your dad passing, Chuck. Not an easy thing to deal with. Know that your family is in my and Nathaniel's prayers.
Joan Eanes Spain
Our prayers and our condolences to all of the Fair family.
Paul & Debbie Morrison
Charles was a good man and loved by everybody. So sorry he is gone but know where he is now. Rae & Treva Elliott Love You
Rae & Treva Elliott
Charles Fair will be greatly missed, but always remembered. I hold a special place in my heart for this kind, loving gentleman. I met Mr. Charles Fair when I was only ten years old. My Mother had passed away, and Mr. Fair was the person that handled my Mother's funeral. I will never forget the sincere, compassionate treatment that not only my family recieved from this man, but the kindness, and sympathy he showed me. I could see true caring and sadness for me in his eyes, and just the way he talked to me. I never forgot that. Who would have ever thought that one day I would be his Daughter-in-law? The kindness, caring, many talks, when I needed someone to talk to, or just be there to listen. I will always remember, and respect this wonderful man, for the many loving kind things he has done for me, and my son in our lives.I will miss him, but know that the Angels in Heaven are rejoicing at this moment, to have him there with them. I have no doubt that Mr. Charles Fair SR. is sitting with Jesus as I write this.I pray for comfort and peace for the whole Fair family, especially, Alma, Ann, Chuck, and My Son, Al. With Love and Gratitude, Brenda FAIR Brown
Brenda FAIR Brown
Ann, Marc and entire Fair family, please accept my condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Ann, I feel as if I have known this family from the time you would speak of then when we were employed at Broyhills. May you find peace in the memories of your loved one.
Gail Hendrix
To all members of the Fair family along with the staff. I first meet Charles, James and "Grandpa" Fair when I was only 5 years old on a horrible August weekend in 1958 when my father was suddenly killed. I have never been exposed to funerals and I was scared, terrifed and totally out of control. But I so clearly remember how gentle and sweet everyone at the funeral home was to me during that weekend. Charles sat with me for a very long time, most of the time with me in his lap answering all of my questions with calmness, compassion and understanding. He loving and the rest of the staff went "above and beyond" to help a crazy little "Gilley" girl handle the stark reality of a sudden death. For that I have always been grateful and so apprective. As I grew older and could better understand and comprend it was always the gentle gaint of Charles and James also to help during dark, scary days. Charles was a true gentlemen with every one and I know I am a much better person for having known him. Chuck, Ann and Al; please know that Charles can never be replaced but will live on in the hearts, minds and memories of all those whose lives he touched in so many wonderful and loving ways. May the prayers and thoughts of everyone that loves the Fair family and adores all of the staff members substain you during the time. With love, Vicki Thomasson and grandson Jacob TH.
Vicki B. Thomasson (Lanny's #1 Cousin)
Dear Neal, Please express my sincere condolences to your entire family on the loss of Charles. I'll never forget how kind and friendly Charles treated me all the years I called on you. Hope all's well with you & yours ! Kindest Personal Regards, Jim
Jim Borm
Ann, Chuck, Al, and Marc My heart goes out to you!!! Know that I love you all, and, I am thinking of you. I have only good memories of your Dad!!! What a wonderful Man, and a great gift to so many. Always calm, cool, and collected., and soft smile!! I am sure he will be a wonderful star!!!! There is a car being detailed in Heaven!!! Sherry
Sherry Grogan
To Chuck and all the Fair Family: I'm sorry to hear of Charles' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sonny
Sonny Sherrill
Our sincere condolences to the last of a family who was a symbol of heartfelt warmth, compassion and friendship when any and every family needed it most. The death of Charles is the end of an era as the families of Eden knew it best. Both Charles and James were there at the time of need to put the family at peace. Our prayer is that Charles is now at peace with the rest of his brothers, son, mother and father and that his immediately family left behind can also find peace as they reflect on his personal touch to so many families over the many years.
The Henry C Joyce Family
Chuck, Al, Ann, and Fair family, You have our deepest sympathy. Charles was a fine man and will be truly missed by the community. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Faye and Mandy Holt
To the Fair family our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during this sad time. Mr Fair was a wonderful and kind man,he will be greatly missed.
Donnie Cindy and Jamie Curry
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace during this time of loss. Love always--Susan
Susan Turner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The funeral industry has lost a great one.
Kelly and Ruth Ratcliff
Dear Chuck, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Please know that your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan D. Voss
I was sad to learn of Charles' death. He was a kind soul and gentleman. Peace be with all who loved him. Carol Melvin
Carol H. Melvin
Chuck, Ann, Al and the Fair family.......My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Charles. What a gentleman he was! I just know that he and my dad are singing hymns of praise in heaven together.........and probably talking a little politics! He will be greatly missed. With much love.......Suzon
Suzon Grogan Martin
There is nothing that I can say, except God be with you. He will be missed by everyone and he was a very special man. You are in my prayers.
Toni Carroll
The sad passing of another Eden icon. My condolences to the Fair family. The torch has been passed and the tradition continues. Thoughts and prayers for all. Debby Self Scott
Debby Self Scott
I remember the days of my kids playing in the neighborhood and Charles out walking his dog. We would often talk and it was a pleasure to hear words of wisdom from such a gentle man. Many thoughts and prayers are with you Chuck.
Kevin London
I am so sorry I did not know of the passing of Charles earlier. My thoughts are with each and everyone of the family. Charles meant alot to my Daddy who passed years ago.
Judy Joyce
To Each and everyone of the Fairs .. i was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one... all of you have meant so much to everyone here in eden for so many years .. may god be with each and everyone of you during this time .. and please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers .. rose murphy
rose murphy
Chuck & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Charles. He was one true gentleman! I know you all will trully miss him. I haven't been that long ago looking at Mama's class reunion picture which Charles also was in. I know everyone that knew him thought he was a great person. Its so sad to see this generation of men and women leaving as they were trully a generation of class. Please tell your Mom that I send my condolescences and pray for your comfort through this time. I will reflect on all the times we spoke with your Dad when were at your house, as well as all the times at the funeral home. Love, Lisa Vernon & Family
Lisa Gilley Vernon
I am sure that up in heaven, my mom, Helon Smothers, and my great aunt, Eva Ferguson, have gotten together with Charles and received all the latest news, and probably a little gossip thrown in, about whats going on around town. Who knows, they both probably had a pound cake ready for his arrival! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and Fair Funeral Home.
Susie Fargis
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