Charles Lemons
Age - 72
October 14, 2023
Charles 'Charlie' Ray Lemons passed peacefully at home on Oct. 13, 2023 at morning's light. He endured a decade of myasthenia gravis and its complications but with a strong will to find and enjoy as many good days as he was granted. In these last weeks, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which was deemed insurmountable. Charlie lived life to its fullest and his laugh was infectious. He always provided entertainment, a quick wit and a competitive spirit. His faith was strong and his daily devotions found 'Trust in the Lord and do good' to be the chosen verse for his celebration of life.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years (Oct. 14, 1989), Teri Copeland Lemons and their English cream golden, Annie. Their other adopted golden children also brought great joy, much laughter and unconditional love throughout the years - Molly 1, Molly 2, Beau, Brandy, Max, Harry and Jinx, and golden neighbor Mitch Hauser who introduced the 'golden' way of life to the Lemons' household when they moved to Rock Barn in 1994. Charlie was a graduate of Averett College and the LSU Graduate School of Banking; his entire career was in banking. He retired from BB&T/Southern National as Regional Vice President in 2006, then joined Empire Financial Services/Southwest Georgia Bank where he retired as President in 2016. He served Corinth Reformed Church as its Board Treasurer, a devoted member and Sunday greeter. His hobbies were golf, reading and more golf! He was very proud of his three 'Hole in Ones'. He had a strong and loving commitment to golden retriever rescues and welcomed any puppy breath and kisses, especially neighbor black lab 'Cotton' Pierce.
Charlie was predeceased by his twin, Annie Mae Lemons Horne and their parents, Edgar Harmon and Dorothy Pickard Lemons of Burlington, NC. He is survived by his sister, Betty Beatty (Rocky) of Charlotte; brother-in-laws Tom Horne and Scott Copeland; sister-in-law, Karen Copeland Pritchard (David); nephews Ryan Horne (Jessica), Drew Beatty (Sara), Trent Copeland (Alison), and Tyler Copeland (Melissa); nieces Brittain Horne Cheek, Stacy Dias (Freddy), Stephanie Downey (Chad), LeAnn Eure (Neil), Lindsey Sawyer (Travis), and Dylan Copeland; great nephews Nick Casper, Corbin Eure, Wyatt Downey, Easton Horne, Thomas Beatty and Andrew Copeland; and, great nieces Kalelle Cheek, Marley Harrell, Willow Horne, Collins Eure, Sara Owen 'Bunny' Beatty; and special neighbors, Worth and Beatrice Pierce; many cousins and special family members.
In addition to his family, Charlie was blessed with many colleagues, mentees, friends and golfing buddies - perfect recent Friday afternoons were golfing with Mike 'Dog' Shehan, Stanley Clontz, Danny Rector and Ed Burns; evening practices with Lin Howe at Rock Barn; 40 years of golfing trips with Joe Walker, Jim Carter and Ken Hartman; the Horse guys and the Linksters. Watching and following Carolina college sports and golf was a favorite activity. Whether golf or football, there were many bets extended to his closest friends; some of the $1 bills are in his treasured collection.
Charlie and Teri express special gratitude to friend and lifeline Mike 'Doc' Dockery, friend and physician friend Ray Morrow MD, the physicians and nursing team at Catawba Valley Medical Center, special home nurses Alli and Gracie Bumgarner, the Center Well and Carolina Caring Hospice Nursing Teams, Wake Forest Baptist School of Medicine Neuro Fellow Karrie Grear, and the wonderful support of church and work family, neighbors and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Corinth Reformed Church of Hickory at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinth Reformed Church of Hickory, Catawba Valley Medical Center Foundation, Wake Forest School of Medicine Myasthenia Research, or a dog rescue of choice.
Drum Funeral Home of Conover is assisting the family with arrangements.Show more
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