Charles Henry Spangler

Chuck was the youngest son of the late Henry A. and Anne D. Spangler. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Spangler Wilson of Norfolk, VA, and brother, Robert Spangler (Carol) of Vashon Island, WA; his nieces and nephews, Thomas Wilson (Susan), Dr. James Wilson (Deion), Robert Wilson (Eloise Junco), Anne Wilson Parzick (Robert), Kristen Spangler (Mark Ellerbrook), and David Spangler (Kelly Wallis); and several grand-nieces and nephews.

His adopted family includes Kimberly Johnson Gay, Mark Gay, Tom and Tina Johnson their son Alex Johnson and daughter, the late Brittany Johnson and her daughter Ava Grace Johnson of Supply, North Carolina; and special friend, Donna Darden of Faison, NC and New York City.

Chuck proudly served his country as a combat paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division's elite 17th Airborne Cavalry and as a combat infantryman with the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War where he was awarded a bronze star for valor, a purple heart for wounds received in action and multiple air metals for the air assaults he participated in. Lifetime bonds were created with the surviving members of his combat team under the leadership of First Lieutenant Thomas Rodriguez (Silver Star recipient,) Sergeant Brian "Doc" Burry (9th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division and 5th Special Forces Group,) Tony Brown, Alan Schaeffer, Tony McCurry and Dan Holstein.

Born in the Pittsburgh, PA area, Chuck graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School. He quickly found his way to North Carolina, the state he had loved vacationing in as a child with his parents and siblings; he then began to call North Carolina his new home.

After graduating from Elon College, in Business in 1974, Chuck spent many years in sales with Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. in Greensboro, along with other companies based in Clinton and Wilmington, NC. While living at Wrightsville Beach, he eventually settled into a rewarding career with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and many years later retired in 2013.

Chuck enjoyed fifteen years at the family home in Wrightsville Beach, NC, helping care for his mother. Later he moved to Shallotte, NC and became a beloved member at First Baptist Church where he faithfully served on the security team. He was known all around as a true southern gentleman. His kindness and generosity were seen by everyone he met.

He loved the ocean; he loved shagging to beach music and love songs. He was sentimental. He was also passionate about his corvette and the refined elegance of a true sports car, designed for the ultimate performance. He knew how to enjoy it and he kept it in tip top condition. Chuck knew how to take care of things. He also knew how to protect the ones he loved. You always knew that Chuck would never let anything happen to you when he was around.

In his final months he drew closer to the Lord as his battle with cancer had been taking a toll on him. He took great comfort in reading the Bible daily and keeping his focus on Jesus no matter what came his way.

Dear Chuck, we will never forget you in our hearts. You are a great example of what God says about laying down your life for your friends. And we thank you so very very much for the way you loved us all.

John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

A memorial service will be held March 16 at 3 PM in The Lou White Memorial Chapel in Shallotte, North Carolina with catering provided.

A graveside service, for the burial of his ashes and the unveiling of his marker will be held at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Faison, NC at a later date. Please contact Kimberly Gay [email protected] for details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Shallotte, NC.

Online condolences may be left at www.shallottefunerals.com.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte, North Carolina.