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Andrews lost a favorite son last week, when Chuck Van Gorder passed away.
For many years, he was an active member of the Andrews Chamber of Commerce and was front and center at every event. He was one of the main organizers, along with Judy Brooks, for the “Jail a Thon” which was the best fundraiser. Chuck volunteered in some capacity to help with anything that was going on in Andrews.
Charles Oscar Van Gorder III was born Jan. 29, 1946, to Dr. Charles Oscar Van Gorder II and Helen Lockerby Van Gorder. Chuck was one of four children. His older brother, Rodney, died as an infant, his two sisters are Catherine Sylvia and Susanne Blaine.
Dr. Van Gorder and Helen made the decision to move to Andrews when Chuck was just a baby, after forming a partnership with Dr. John S. Rodda, who served with Dr. Van Gorder during World War II, both of whom were prisoners of war. In 1946, the two young doctors opened the Rodda-Van Gorder Hospital and Clinic in Andrews, and was later joined by Dr. Floyd Blalock.
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Chuck attended Andrews Elementary and Andrews High school through the 10th grade. He transferred to Miami Military Academy to finish out his Junior and Senior years, then graduated in 1964. Later, he enrolled at Western Carolina College for a period of one and a half years, then made the decision to join the U.S. Army.
After graduating from Artillery Fire Direction School, Infantry OCS and Airborne Schooling, Chuck was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and graduated from Ranger training. In 1968, he was assigned as an infantry platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of South Vietnam in the 1 Corps region. He was promoted to the company’s executive officer.
Chuck led ambush, cordon, and search and destroy missions, but in 1969, during a combat assault in the A Shau Valley, Chuck was seriously wounded in action on hill 1152. The A Shau Valley was the site of many bloody battles in the thick jungle flora that rose up from the ridges of the valley floor, including the famous “Hamburger Hill” known as hill 937, during the same time period. The valley was a mile wide and 25 miles long, and was used as a means for the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong to infiltrate into South Vietnam.
Chuck was taken to the Naval hospital ship U.S.S. Repose, where he underwent brain surgery. He had complete paralysis on the right side of his body and was sent to Japan for treatment, then medivac to Walter Reed Army Hospital for extensive physical therapy. Chuck was promoted to Captain and on Feb. 12, 1970, he was discharged from the service.
Shortly after returning home, Chuck became a 32nd Scottish Mason and a Shriner in 1970. He attended Young Harris College and graduated in 1972. He decided to enroll in the nursing training at Dekalb Community College and graduated in 1975. Later, he was employed at Emory University Hospital as a staff nurse in the surgical recovery room.
In 1976, Chuck resigned from Emory and went to work at District Memorial Hospital in Andrews for three years. He entered Mars Hill College in 1979 and in 1981, he earned a B.S. degree in business. He married Rebecca L. Ledford in 1980, who was an elementary school teacher in Hayesville.
After receiving his real estate license, Chuck went into business with Frank Jones at Sam W. Jones Realty in Andrews.
“Chuck was the most truthful, upright and considerate person of anyone that I have ever known. I considered it a privilege to be a partner with him for many years,” Frank said.
Every now and then a
special person comes around that everyone loves. Chuck VanGorder was that person, because he was so kind and humble, and he made everyone in his presence feel important. And like his mother and father, his manners were impeccable, and his goodness knew no bounds.
He will be missed.
Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.