Charles Robert Penland, 80, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Durham.

Born on June 25, 1945, in Haywood County, North Carolina, Charles was the son of the late Horace Labon Penland and Wilma McCants Penland.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Charles honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated more than 20 years of employment to the Federal Prison System, where he worked as a Mail Processor before his retirement.

Charles was a faithful member of First Wesleyan Church in Durham. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved the North Carolina Tar Heels and Carolina basketball. He also enjoyed watching a wide variety of sports and was a devoted NASCAR enthusiast. Family and friends will remember Charles for his love of sports, his patriotism, and his steadfast nature.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his former wife Brenda Penland; brothers, Jim Penland, Gary Penland and Dan Penland.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Dana Penland (Jessica); sisters, Ann Cole, Gail Hager (David), and Jean Bagby (B.B.); sisters-in-law, Gail Penland and Judy Penland.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors.

The care of Mr. Penland has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.