Charles Granville Tuders, 87, passed away peacefully on Nov. 19th at Signature HealthCare in Roanoke Rapids.
Born on May 10, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas, he was preceded in death by his parents, Orville Lester Tuders and Alice Faye Whitney; and two brothers, Bob and Gene.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Cecelia; and a great niece, Shawna Sparlin (Tom). Charlie and Cecelia were pen pals while he served a nine-month deployment aboard the USS Roosevelt aircraft carrier during the Vietnam conflict.
On his return to the states, he contacted Cecelia and took her to dinner as a way of thanking her for writing to him. They married 2 weeks later and spent the next 54 years together.
After serving 20 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a Senior Chief Electronics Technician, Charlie taught electronics at a community college in Ahoskie, NC. However, after commuting for 15 months, he and Cecelia moved from Norfolk to Rich Square where he continued his teaching career at Roanoke Rapids High School and Northampton County High School East.
His favorite hobby was flying. On weekends and in the summers, he was either teaching others to fly or was crop dusting for local farmers. Other activities included riding his motorcycle, going to baseball games (Carolina Mudcats), hockey games (Carolina Hurricanes), or running errands for his wife as she continued teaching.
Charlie served for 13 years on Rich Square’s Rescue Squad and even served as mayor of Rich Square for a brief time.
After relocating to Roanoke Rapids, he became an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus until his health declined.
His wife extends her deepest gratitude to the staff at Community Home Care & Hospice and Signature Health Care for their care, compassion, and support during a most difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 10th at 11:00 am, with Rev. Marlon Mendieta as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the parish columbarium.
The online guest book may be signed at hockadayfs.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. John’s Social Concerns Ministry, 115 E. 9th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Arrangements for Mr. Tuders are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.