As recorded in Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord…for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds will follow them.” On a peaceful afternoon on the 19th day of November, 2020, Charlie Baldwin Jr. was released from his hard work and he went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Charlie was born in Pittsboro, North Carolina, on March 6, 1932, to the late Charlie Walker Baldwin and Sarah Perry Baldwin. He was raised on the family farm, with his six brothers and sisters, where he learned to appreciate the values of a strong work ethic and good Christian living. After graduating from Horton High School, he attended N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, completing four years of ROTC and graduating with a degree in Agricultural Science. He then completed two years of Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was appointed Reserve Commissioned Officer, Second Lieutenant. Between his college and Basic Training years, Charlie courted and married Lucille Hanner. They were blessed with five children.
Later, he relocated to Winston-Salem where he was employed at Western Electric for 17 years. During his time with Western Electric, he spent two years on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, where he had a significant role in the development of the anti-ballistic missile system for the U.S. government. When Western Electric closed, Charlie gained employment with R.J. Reynolds where he worked for 20 years before retiring as supervisor. People who worked under his leadership, years ago, continued to call him before his passing, attesting to their love and respect for him.
After many years in Winston-Salem, Charlie returned to Chatham County to be closer to family and friends and to pursue his passion for farming. He derived such satisfaction from tilling the earth, plowing and planting, and sharing the bounty with everyone. In a 2005 article from the Chapel Hill News about his gardening, it was stated, “If you love greens as much as he does, then you are invited to walk out in his fields and pick them to your heart’s content. A handful or a garbage bag full, it costs the same — free!”
For years, family and friends enjoyed attending his, and wife Imogene’s, annual 4th of July Fish Fry, where they had an opportunity to fellowship and catch up with each other.
Charlie loved his community and he was charitable to many community organizations. He was a member and supporter of the NAACP. He also served on the Board of Advisors for the Chatham County Agricultural & Industrial Fair Association, sponsoring the prize money each year for one of his favorite events, the largest pumpkin contest.
Above all else, Charlie was a God-fearing man, always humble and soft-spoken, and always willing to help anyone in need. He was a faithful member of Terrell’s Chapel Church until his health declined. At Terrell’s, he served as Steward, Trustee, and Usher, and he was a Lifetime member of the Durham District Lay Council. In addition, he served as Captain of the Baldwin Family for Family and Friends Day. He especially enjoyed the latter and the friendly competition of helping his team raise money to support the church.
He was loved and respected, and he will be greatly missed.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Imogene Weston Baldwin; his siblings, Nellie Gregory, Thomas Earl Baldwin, James Baldwin, George Baldwin, and Mary R. Evans.
Charlie leaves with cherished memories, his daughters, Sharon Luanne Nettles (Phillip), Loretta Nettles, Myra Kearney (Mike), Jacqueline Waddell (General); and son, Kenneth Baldwin; sister, Geneva B. Vincent; sisters-in-law, Grace Baldwin and Nancy Weston; brother-in-law, Jonathon Weston (Claudia); eight grandchildren, Candice Nettles, Amber Hester (Curtis), General Waddell, Kyle Nettles, Cordea Nettles, Brittany Nance, Clay Nance (DeLisa), and Amber Kearney; six great-grandchildren, Laila Waddell, YaShari Waddell, Aria Williams, Alex Williams, Elijah Hester and Raegan Hester; special cousin, Helen Baldwin; special friend, Catherine Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Terrell’s Chapel AME Zion Church. Burial followed in the cemetery at Pittsboro Church of God.