Dear Ruth,

 I have never had a chance to meet you or your children but wanted to take time to tell you how much I thought of Charlie. I first met him while I was sitting up in the pre-sale office for the new gym, Rapid Fitness. He was such a character that he always brightened my day even though he was one of my hardest sells! LOL! Thankfully, he became a great member and fan of my gym. 

Many of my members are like family to me and Charlie was one of them. He is still so missed and will always be missed. It was my honor to have such a great friend. My sympathies and thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. 

-Renee Daughtry

Charlie, 

You always had a way to brighten up a room with your jokes, smile, and laughter.  Our loss of a kind and thoughtful friend is heaven's gain.  You will bring your special touch to that place, as you did here on earth.  

It has taken me a while to write this...  partly because it is difficult to say good-bye to a friend, and partly because it is difficult to express what that "special touch" about you is...  that part that most says what will be missed about you...  but then, the answer is quite easy, really, anyone who knew you would know what I mean, it's "you being you" - that unique "Charlie-ness" that no one else has.  

You were one of the few New Jersey transplants that I met when moved from NJ to NC so many years ago and you made me feel welcome from the first time I met you.  Thank you.  When visiting you, I had the pleasure of meeting your family, and I am so glad that I did.  We talked for hours, and I could see how your whole family has a little bit of "Charlie-ness" in them, how they are all special like you, and how they adore you.

You are missed by all whose lives you touched, and many you have...  by your lovely family, by those all around you, and by me.

I say 'Charlie Roberts' and I smile and shake my head..and then I laugh and then there's that feeling...that good feeling that one
friend can give another even when they are not standing side by side ribbing each other over the latest Redskins/Giants game,
reminiscing over old times and talks of New Jersey memories, the Bayonne Bridge, the Bungalow Bar, or just shootin' the breeze to make
the day a little brighter.

Charlie,
You and I had a rough start..beginning with an argument and ending several months later with a handshake and laughing....realizing that
we were not that different and in spite of it all...we liked each other and became good friends.  In fact,  I think we were better friends because  of it!
I still smile about it as I sit here now with tears many would not think I'm capable of..(but Charlie..you would know..you took the time
to know me like you did with so many others).  Random acts of kindness were second nature to you..Ed and I talk about 'the cookies' quite often.  :-)
We came to know your beautiful family in the last few weeks.  Warm and welcoming, we were made to feel like family instantly.
Another tribute to the kind of guy you are. 

I am jealous that I did not know Charlie for as many years as so many who have written here and shared wonderful stories.
I am though,  especially grateful and fortunate to have worked with Charlie, but more importantly, honored to call him FRIEND.

I will miss you my friend.
Until we meet again...

Dear Ruth, 

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Let's ask Charlie!

This has been a common phrase in the IBM B307 Lab for the entire time I have worked with Charlie. And for good reason. Charlie rarely had to search for an answer in a reference book or in his notes. He could just remember having seen the problem before as well as how the problem was resolved. It was a rare time indeed when Charlie did not know how to resolve the problem. And on those rare occasions, Charlie did not stop until he found someone who could fix the problem.

One of my best memories of Charlie is sitting in my car with Charlie one slightly rainy evening after work as we waited for a truck to tow Charlie's car due to a faulty battery. We had jumped his car's battery in the B307 parking lot. I had given Charlie my cell phone number just in case. It was one of those evenings when the windshields would fog up. After heading for home and traveling about a
mile, as soon as Charlie turned on the car's defroster, the car stalled again. Charlie called me to say,
'Guess what!'. During the couple of hours we were waiting on the side of Alexander Drive for the tow truck to arrive, Charlie and I talked about many things: family, work, sports, politics. And during this time, Charlie must have received at least five phone calls from his wife and daughters wanting updates. 

There were no lapses in our conversation. Not with Charlie.

And then there are the funny emails. When you received one, you had to forward it to somebody ... and I did. Even if I may have seen it before, I forwarded it because it was from Charlie, so I knew it had to be a good one.

Charlie loved his family. When his wife or one of his daughters called him at work, Charlie stopped everything. His Thinkpad destop image always had a picture of his grandchildren. These are some of the things you notice immediately about Charlie. Family comes first.

I will miss you Charlie. I know, because I already do.

Dear Ruth,

Our prayers are with you and your family.
AnnMarie Carlson

My deepest sympathy to you. Charlie was an incredible person to know and work with. He always had time for a story or a joke and loved to talk sports. I worked with Charlie for only two years but I am left with a lifetime of wonderful memories. He will be greatly missed.  God Bless you all.

Charlie, It's an honor for me to have known you and worked with you.  You are one of the most honorable men I've ever met.  You leave a legacy of kindness and gentleness.  You are missed sir!

Charlie was fun to work with and to be around. He was a dedicated worker. His testing would challenge developers as he worked to insure products worked well. He will be missed. Our prayers go up for the Roberts' family.

Charlie, it was an honor to have know you sir.  I will always remember your sense of humor, your love of Vegas and the joy I always saw in your eyes when you talked of your family.  Rest in peace dear friend.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers - a big smile, kind words, a silly joke, and keeping life in perspective - that is how I remember Charlie! He was a wonderful man and I am so sorry for your loss. My love to you all.

Charlie has been a friend for a long time.  He was a fussy, fussy tester who always tested everything.  He cheered us up when we needed it and was always helpful.  When we bought a new house he helped us move in 89.  His jokes were alway the best and many have been forwarded by me to other friends through the years.  He was funny at the gym for many years we went to the Spa Health Club.  We talked often on the phone and would catch up a few times a year.  I will miss my dear friend.
  Charlie was a special guy who was fun to work and be with.  You should have seen him Polka.  Life makes us too busy and we miss time with friends.
My heart felt sorrow goes to his wife and family.  God bless you and keep you in his grace.

The world is a little darker and quieter without the bright light and energy of Charlie. Our thoughts are with you all in this difficult time. Much love, Mike and Beth Koval and family

Charlie Roberts was a close friend and buddy for almost 40 years. We followed each other to different IBM locations throughout our lives and I had the fortune of playing golf, basketball and bowling with Charlie for many years. We also shared great family time together and I know that meant more to Charlie than our sports activities. My family goes out to Ruth, Stacy, Suzanne and Danny for this devastating loss of a great buddy who will be missed, however never forgotten!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  He will live on through your stories, pictures, and memories.  Keep sharing and talking about him all the time. Stay strong and know you are all loved.

My memories of Charlie can be summarized in the words "joy" and "laughter".  We worked together for many years, and he was always smiling.  Even when we were in the throes of a difficult problem, Charlie would find a way to lighten the atmosphere.  He was such a sincere encourager, a very good and dear friend.  I shall always remember his sparkling blue eyes.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.  Please be comforted by the knowledge of the impact this wonderful man had on all those around him.  He will be sorely missed.  With love, Lee and 'the other Charlie' Johnson (Brunswick, GA)

It has been a real pleasure knowing Charles at the gym for several years. Charles has always been a warm and friendly person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family.  We will all miss Charles.

Charlie was a special person who will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

May the gift of joyous memories help as you remember an amazing
vibrant soul. Much love and many prayers are with you. 
Anita Burroughs-Price (Dennis Price's wife)

OBITUARY

Charles Roberts Jr.

March 27, 1942 – August 21, 2010

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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