Charles O. Van Gorder III, “Chuck,” of Brasstown, passed away peacefully at age 76 on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022.
Born Jan. 29, 1946, in Hackensack, N.J., Chuck was the son of the late Dr. Charles O. Van Gorder and Helen Lockerby Van Gorder. He grew up in Andrews, where he attended public school, then graduated high school after two years at Miami Military Academy in Miami, Fla.
After a few years in college, Chuck joined the Army. He served in Vietnam from 1968-69 as a Ranger with the 101st Airborne. He was wounded in action on July 18, 1969, and was awarded The Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Men’s Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Parachutist Badge. After recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, he returned home.
Chuck received a Degree in Nursing from Georgia State University, followed by a Degree in Business from Mars Hill University.
He worked at Sam Jones Realty in Andrews until retirement.
Chuck was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry. He showed his compassion for his community through ongoing involvement with the District Memorial Hospital Board, Smoky Mountain Shrine Club of the Oasis Shrine Temple, the VFW, Gideons, Matt’s Ministry Food Pantry, Outward Bound Board, Red Cross Blood Drives and as a Boy Scout Leader.
He was a warm, loving and giving husband, son, brother and uncle.
One of Chuck’s joys was gathering every 4th of July with his Vietnam Brothers, with whom he maintained lifelong friendships. He loved the Atlanta Braves, movies, music and sharing great food with family and friends.
Surviving are his wife, Rebecca Ledford Van Gorder; sisters, Suzanne Van Gorder of Andrews, and Catherine Odom and husband Doug of Brevard; and two nephews, Chris Kip and Matt Kip, both of Columbia, S.C.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville with Father Bill Breedlove officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 96, Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and the Marine Corps League, Marble.
In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations in memory of Charles Van Gorder to Oasis Temple Shriners Hospital for Children, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Hayesville, is in charge of arrangements.