Charles Carlton Red

June 6, 1948 - February 16, 2018
Charles Carlton Red

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Williamsburg, VA- Charles Carlton Red, 69, formerly of Stuart, FL died suddenly in Kitty Hawk, NC on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. He was born in Bath , New York on June 6, 1948 to Robert and Marion Red.

He is preceded in death by: his father, Robert C. Red; sister, Nancy Beaumont; father-in-law, Charles E. Gillen, and a sister-in-law, Janet Gillen Dannecker.

Left to cherish his memory: his adoring wife of 37 years, Karen Gillen Red; his mother, Marion Havill Red; mother-in-law, Eleanor Popple Gillen; sister-in-law, Linda Gillen Garvin; nephews, James McKinley Garvin and Max Gillen Dannecker; Nieces, Diana Whipple and Katherine Gillen Garvin Farmiloe; 7 great nephews and nieces; three goddaughters, Corrie Silvia Berry, Tara Hakeos, and Sarah Goble; as well as 3 fur babies, who m he adored.

Charlie was a 22-year employee of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation where he worked in multiple areas, most notably as Speaker of the House, Peyton Randolph. Previously a teacher, Charlie had a deep love of history. So much so that he relocated to Williamsburg with his wife, Karen, in 1988 so that he could combine his skills as an actor with those of a teacher by interpreting with the foundation. In addition to the role of Mr. Speaker, Charlie also portrayed characters in Cry Witch, a man held in the Public Gaol, and Grandpa, a befuddled veteran in a nighttime tavern program. Charlie loved Christmas and enjoyed playing Santa for C W F and A rc of Greater Williamsburg .

To know Charlie was to love him. He loved life and his family and fought to overcome illness and the resulting mobility issues for the past three years. He was fun and funny, kind and generous, but also strong and determined to walk again and he did! Charlie had a deep and abiding faith, the source of his strength. Charlie was passionate about his hobbies, including reading, collecting, and running an antique business with his wife. Unfortunately, he did not accomplish his goal to return to his favorite place, Disney World.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday February 21st at 11 am at Williamsburg United Methodist Church on Jamestown Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Heritage Humane Society or JCC Fire Station #3 .


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  • February 21, 2018
    Mary Begor says:
    Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy.

  • March 10, 2018
    Michelle says:
    Dear Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. When the enemy death strikes, our hearts and emotions are left devastated. May you be comforted beyond measure by our loving Heavenly Father during this most difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3-4) The time will soon come when Jehovah God will resurrect those who have died. (Daniel 12:2)

  • February 24, 2018
    Carolyn Brovero says:
    I remember Charlie Red as a great part of the team at Stuart Middle School!

  • February 24, 2018
    Carolyn Brovero says:
    Karen, I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Charlie from his years at Stuart Middle School. A favorite memory was going to our one and only local theatre with some of the teachers and seeing Charlie on "the big screen" in a full-length movie. He had made it! We were so happy for him! Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  • February 23, 2018
    Bryan S. says:
    Charlie was a good egg. He cared about his craft, his coworkers, and our history. Always generous to visitors, "MRSPKR" was always a pro. Not many old CWF CI's left. May the God of all comfort give you peace Karen!