Charles Melvin Bost Jr.

STATESVILLE- Charles M. Bost Jr., a native of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 9th at the age of 91. He was the son of Charles M. Bost Sr. and Iva Mae Templeton Bost. He was preceded in death in 1995 by Grace Perry Bost, his beloved wife of 48 years.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18, and was in basic training on D-Day. He proudly served his country with the 75th Infantry Division, and fought in every major post-D-Day battle of the European theater. He was most proud of participating with Patton's spearhead in the liberation of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. After the German surrender, and a short tenure in England, he was on a troop ship preparing for the Pacific theater when the war ended.

After the war he was employed by J.C. Steele and Sons where he worked for 34 years; completing his career clerking for the foundry and managing the foundry's pattern library.

He was a faithful, active and lifetime member of the Western Avenue Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school in the Junior Department for over 30 years.

C.M. was passionate flower and vegetable gardener, an avid Atlanta Braves fan, and an inveterate traveler who not only saw much of Europe, but all 50 states.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Bost Fox (Larry Stephen) of Statesville and his son, Rod M. Bost (Kathleen Burr) of Sparta, NC. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Josh Fox (Careyann) of Statesville; Abby Fox Malloy (Steve) of Denver, NC; and Emily Fox Martin (Jamie) of Greensboro, NC. His great-grandchildren will dearly miss their “Gramps: Max Malloy, Caden Malloy, and Riley Grace Fox. A 4th great- grandchild (Martin) is expected in May.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Western Avenue Baptist Church, Radio Road, Statesville, on Saturday, January 14, at 1:00pm. The family will receive visitors at the church starting at 12:00, prior to the service. A military honors graveside commitment will take place at Iredell Memorial Park directly following the service.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Roger Hatharasingne, and his staff; Dr. Carla Pence; the administration and staff of Jurney's Assisted Living facility; as well as Gordon House Hospice of Statesville.

Memorials may be made to Jurney's Assisted Living of Statesville, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville, NC 28625 or Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

On-line condolences may be left at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bost Family.