Charles Border

Charles R. Border II (Chuck), aged 79, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023. Chuck was born in Atlanta, GA in 1943, and soon after the war, his family moved to NC, eventually settling in Waynesville. He loved these mountains and built lifelong friendships while exploring Pisgah and the surrounding areas, most often the Cataloochee Valley area, where he would spend countless days trout fishing and nights camping with family and friends over the years.

Chuck was a graduate of Columbia Military Academy and Western Carolina University.  He worked at Dayco for many years and, after retiring, joined his wife, Mary, at ERA Sunburst Realty. He was the President of the Waynesville/Hazelwood Little League, President of the Haywood Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Salvation Army, and a member of the Elks Organization among many other community endeavors. He also holds the lawnmower speed record for WNC and for that we have no witnesses, but this story and more will go down in infamy. 

He is the son of Dr. Charles R. Border and Donna Blackburn Border. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William Scott Border, and his wife Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Spain Border, sons Charles R. Border III and William Sidney Border, and his wife Deanna, and a stepdaughter, Margaret Hogan, and her husband John. Chuck was known as “Pop” to his 5 grandchildren whom he adored: Eli and Logan Border, McCaul Border, Cameron Hogan, and Parker Hogan.

Chuck was a kid at heart with a twinkle in his eye and a quick smile. Kids in the neighborhood loved to play with “Mr. Border”, and he was endeared by all who knew him including the many friends of his boys who visited the Border’s home over the years. Around the table he was a master storyteller, often leaving those around the table in tears of laughter. He was a hell of a cook, especially outdoors in places like Cataloochee Valley, Georgia deer camp, Hazel Creek, or the fish camps of Ontario. He and Doc Boyd often playfully disagreed about the best way to make biscuits or cornbread, but they had a lot of practice over the years and their boys and their friends were always well-fed and entertained. The love and true friendships that Chuck had will  endure for generations through their kids and families. When not in the woods or dancing to beach music with Mary, Chuck could often be found coaching his boys on the baseball field, at the farm making them hoe tobacco, or helping them restore old houses. In retirement he did a lot of surf fishing and played a little golf, once leaving a trail of golf clubs scattered all over the 1st fairway at a local tournament. Chuck had a lot of great stories.

In lieu of a service, Chuck requested a celebration which will be held in the fall and in lieu of flowers enjoy an old fashioned or pinkie with friends and/or make a donation to The Salvation Army of WNC.