Charles Maurice Whittemore, age 79, died peacefully of natural causes, on Sunday April 21, 2024, at his home in Fairmont, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Faye LaRue Matheson Whittemore and George Settle Whittemore, of Fayetteville, and his brother, George Settle Whittemore of Rocky Mount, NC. Charlie retired from Black & Decker where he worked his entire career.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Whittemore of the home; one daughter, April Whittemore Locklear of Fairmont; one son, John Settle Whittemore (wife Laura Rose) of Fayetteville, NC; his adopted daughters: Lynette Killsback of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Isabel Rosero of Grafenwohr, Germany, and Reah Jacobs of Buckhead, NC; his brothers-in-law: Victor L. Hunt (wife Cynthia) of Ohio, David A. Hunt (wife Rene) of Fairmont, and Mike Henry Chuchacz (wife Michelle) of Parkton; his precious grandsons, Laettner Keanu Locklear and Parker Cove Lewis Whittemore; and his granddaughters, SunnyDae Locklear and BluFern Rivers Whittemore; and his favorite nephews (he bragged that he help raise them): George Settle Whittemore ("Jimmy") wife Angie of Graham, NC, John Robert Whittemore of Fort Mill SC, Derek Whittemore of Roxboro NC, and Michael Colby Chuchacz ("Choo-Choo") of Parkton, NC; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Charlie was a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of motor sports and was the driver of "Gunsmoke" in his younger years. When his first child was born - he raced mostly drag racing - his car was known as "Go Daddy Go". He was a member of the Mt. Elim Flying Club, Lumberton, NC. He grew up in Spring Lake, NC and spent most of his days at Fort Bragg watching others fly airplanes and fell in love with the smaller scale versions.

At family gatherings and other informal get-togethers, Charlie (a.k.a. Redd) never called attention to himself, always preferring to remain on the periphery of conversations. But his wry wit and dry humor quickly drew him into the center of things. He was a veritable encyclopedia of family lore and was able to recall names, dates, and minute details of long-gone events. It was typical of him to have his cousins, aunts, and uncles almost collapsing in laughter at the telling of some anecdote from his youth. He would always clear his throat before getting his story together.

The Biblical admonition to visit the sick and imprisoned, care for the elderly, and love one's fellow man as oneself was personified in Charlie's life. He faithfully visited his elderly aunts and uncles as long as they lived. More recently, he became a bulwark of strength and comfort to many at their time of need making monetary donations without hesitation, his presence will be sorely missed. But his memory will provide much comfort and many happy stories for his survivors and friends to relate in years to come.

The family invites friends, neighbors, and other kinfolk to a celebration of Charlie's life, to be held at Floyd Funeral Services, Inc., 1549 Marion Stage Road in Fairmont, NC, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Humorous stories, happy memories, and other manifestations of this truly remarkable life are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The "Autism Society of North Carolina", Attention: Donations, 5121 Kingdom Way, #100, Raleigh NC 27607.

The family will have a private graveside service.