Charles Edward Edwards "Charlie"

Charles Edward Edwards, “Charlie”, passed away on March 29th, 2016. Charlie was born December 9th, 1945 in Atlanta, Georgia, to Charles Irelan and Lois Tinney. Charlie joined the Navy in 1963, spending time on the USS Constellation, the USS Fox and finally aboard the USS Eisenhower. He was deployed to the Vietnam War in 1967 and served his country admirably aboard the USS Fox. Charlie was awarded numerous medals and awards while serving in the Navy including the Navy Achievement Award in recognition for writing computer programs aiding in the delivery of supplies to other service members. In 1968 Charlie was stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, in Vallejo, California, where he met his future wife, Katherine Sue Hensley, “Susie”, in 1969. Charlie and Susie were married for 46 years. On December 27th, 1970 Charlie and Susie welcomed their first child, Jennifer Lee Edwards, to their family. Shortly afterwards Charlie and his new family were deployed to Reykjavik, Iceland where they had their second child, Charles Jeffery Edwards on November 2nd, 1972. Following his service in Iceland, Charlie was stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Dam Neck Oceana Naval Station, before returning to Mare Island Naval Shipyard. On November 21st, 1976 Charlie and Susie helped introduced their youngest son, Jason Verlon Edwards, to the world. In 1977 Charlie returned, via the Navy, to the Dam Neck Oceana Naval Station for his final stint in the service. On April 30th, 1982 Charlie retired from the Navy after twenty years of service. Upon his retirement Charlie moved with his family to Stockton, California, where they lived until his death. Charlie worked in the developing technology field, building fire alarm systems, and computer programming. After experiencing a mild heart attack in 2004 he retired once again to travel the world with his beloved wife. During his life Charlie traveled to four continents and countless countries including: China, Malaysia, Poland, Italy, Canada, Vietnam, Japan and Australia. He and Susie always shared a passion for Hawaii, making numerous trips to the islands during their marriage. Charlie was an avid photographer, video game aficionado, golfer and fishing enthusiast. His greatest love was his wife and family, to whom he dedicated the greatest portion of his life. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Edwards; brother, Lee Edwards and brother-in-law, Dan Williams. He is survived by his loving wife, Susie Edwards; daughter, Jennifer Edwards (Joseph Sullivan); sons, Jeff (Cassandra) and Jason Edwards (Sarah); grandchildren, Zachary Garrett, Joey Coward, Katelyn Coward, Madison Edwards, Declan Edwards, Mara Edwards, and Georgia Edwards; sisters-in-law, Betty Williams, Cindy Hensley and Karen Holbrook; nephews, Casey and Justin Williams, cousin Jean Gilbert; father, Charles Irelan and numerous family members in Georgia. Charlie will be greatly missed by all who knew him and we will miss his vibrant smile. May his spirit rest in peace from now until eternity.