Charles "Chuck" Carlos Chafin

On October 20th, 2021, Charles Carlos “Chuck” Chafin, age 79, died from congestive heart failure at his son’s home In Lawrenceville, Georgia. His life partner of 59 years, Donna, their two sons, Jeff and Michael, and the rescued family cat, Yoda, were present as he peacefully drew his last breath.

Born in McCarr, Kentucky on February 11,1942, to Charles and Ella Chafin. Charles was the eldest of five children and was called Carlos by his family. Following his parents divorce, his mother moved to Indiana and after graduating from Charlottesville High School, in 1960, Chuck joined the army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., later serving 7 years in the Indiana National Guard.

In August, 1960, he took leave to visit his father in Indianapolis to meet Viola, his future step-mother. Viola wanted Carlos to meet her cousin, Donna, and arranged the meeting and as they say, “the rest is history!” During their dating years Donna began calling him Chuck. Chuck and Donna were married on May 12, 1962 and raised their three boys on the southside of Indianapolis.

Chuck could fix almost anything mechanical and in 1961 began working at A-1 Compressor in Indianapolis, rising to the position of foreman. In 1983 he accepted a job at Boring Smith in Tucker, Ga. HIs family begrudgingly moved to Snellville, Ga., where “everybody is somebody!” There was a brief period spent in Ft. Worth, Texas, but following the death of their son in 1985, the sun and trees of Georgia were on Donna’s mind. They moved back and eventually bought a home near Stone Mountain. Chuck suffered a debilitating stroke in July of 2004 and once said it was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, building model rockets, woodworking, dancing, and camping with family and friends. After becoming bed ridden he loved watching the birds visiting the bird feeder outside his bedroom window. During the racing season he would be watching his favorite stock car driver, Kyle Larson, and of course, would never miss the Indy 500.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Curtis Brock (1985) and his half brother, Tony Chafin. He is survived by Donna; his twin sons, Jeff of Lawrenceville, Ga; Michael of Indianapolis and beloved family friend, Henrietta Beighley; his brothers Lemial “Lee,” (Jeanette); Curtis (Sue); Sister Gloria “Ann,” and Sybol (Ron) also his half siblings, Brad, Christa, Nicole, and Charalee, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any monetary contributions be made in the loving memory of Chuck to assist with expenses. Checks can be mailed to Donna Chafin. For his loving cat, Yoda, a tribute gift can be made to Planned PEThood. https://pethoodga.org.

The family also extends their thanks and gratitude to the wonderful care and support received from Capstone Hospice during Chuck's final days.

A Celebration of Life is planned. Location and date will be announced later.