Charles Richard Manning III

Charles Richard Manning, III, best known to everyone he knew and loved as Rocky, died on July 13, 2016. He was born on September 15, 1957 in Tallahassee, Florida to his loving parents Charles and Gerre Manning.

After graduating from Frederick Military Academy in 1974, he attended NC State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Material Science in 1978. He continued school at NC State achieving a Masters in Metallurgical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering in 1979. He joined his father, Chuck Manning and together they formed Accident Reconstruction Analysis, INC. in Raleigh, NC in 1979. He was Vice-President of Accident Reconstruction and was known worldwide as a leader in the forensic science field, which included investigations of high profile aircraft accidents, explosions, fires, structural fatigue and failure analysis. He was continually sought after by his peers for advice, expertise and knowledge. He was a relentless entrepreneur, not only working at Accident Reconstruction, but also began a second career as a property developer of several subdivisions across Wake County. In addition, he was an integral part of helping Dena rebuild not only the factory, but the name and reputation of Butterfields Candies. His knowledge and talent extended over many areas of business.

He leaves behind his daughter, Danielle Manning Sisco and her husband, Nathan Sisco, his two sons Joseph D. Manning and Harrison M. Manning, and his partner in life and love and the mother of his children, Dena M. Manning. He is also survived by his father, whom he revered, Charles R. Manning, Jr., his sister Denise J. Shell and her husband David Shell, his niece Hannah Elizabeth Morgan and his nephews Charles Thomas Morgan, Jeffery Morgan, Thomas Monck and his wife Ashley Monck, and his brother-in-law, Alan Morgan. He is now with his mother Gerre Manning, his sister Carol Manning, and his first son Charles R. Manning, IV (Chase).

He was not only known for being a hard worker, but also for having a good time and a cold beer. He was a passionate sports fan and his love for his alma mater, NC State, was endless. When he was younger he was an avid cyclist and competed in numerous century races. He was passionate about everything he delved into whether it was sports, aviation, beer, education or a friendly game of trivia, he firmly knew the importance of learning and continuing to push oneself. As a continuous student of life, his love for learning and sharing his knowledge stayed with him until his last day.

He was a humble man who truly cared about finding ways to help make others happy. What he loved most was being with his children. Always finding time to make an impact in every aspect of their lives.

Words don’t describe him. To know Rocky was to love him. If you were fortunate enough to know Rocky then you got it.