Spencer Charles

CHARLES---Spencer, 86 of Alexandria, VA passed away January 16, 2024.  Born April 15, 1937 in Shelby, NC, to the late David and Ruth (Ross) Charles. Preceded in death along with his parents were brothers George, Roosevelt, Rayford and sister Tressie. Spencer was educated in the Pennsylvania Public School System graduating from East Conemaugh High School in 1956.  He worked a brief time at Bethlehem Steel Corporation before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1958 and retiring in 1981 with 23 years of service. He and his family moved to Alexandria, VA where he worked a brief time for National Moving Company in Clinton, MD and the US Post Office before going back into the United States Government for another career of 18 years with the Department of Defense.  Always needing to stay busy, he also earned two associate degrees from Northern Virginia Community College during that time. He loved all sports. Before and during his years in the military he was an outstanding softball pitcher, winning many trophies. He loved working in his yard and going up on the rooftop every chance he could to look around.  He and his wife loved to travel.  They visited all 50 states and several countries including 6 continents and cruised once or twice every year, taking their last cruise together in 2022. A long-time member (over 40 years) of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Male Chorus Member, Combined Choir Member, Missionary, Men of Valor, Past Trustee and several Committees.   He regularly attended Bible study and prayer meetings and was a delegate of the Lott Carey Foreign Convention for over 20 years. Brother Charles found his way to learning the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry in the early 1970s. He was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on December 4, 1973, where he joined the membership of Marianas Travelers Lodge #49, located in Washington State. While serving his Country overseas he continued his education into Freemasonry and on October 7, 1978, he was Advanced to the Grade of Sublime Prince 32nd Degree during a meeting of Spain Military Consistory #99 in Madrid, Spain. Shortly thereafter while serving in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 29, 1978, he joined the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine as a Noble of Aswan Temple #115. With his love and passion for service, especially to his community, he most recently became a member of King Tyre Lodge #292, located in Falls Church, Virginia, on August 9, 2021. He was affiliated with King Tyre Lodge #292 by Special Demit provided by the hand and seal of then Most Worshipful Grand Master Richard C. Townes of Averett Union Lodge #235. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and devoted wife of 62 years, Mattie (Boykin) Charles; son, Spencer Robert Charles, Nashville, TN; daughter, Tonya Charles, Dumfries, VA;  two granddaughters, LaMonica (Khalif) Thomas, Newark, NJ; Elissa Mena, Newport News, VA;   one great-granddaughter, Zaya Thomas; two bonus sons, Wayne Davis, Waldorf, MD; James Collier, South Riding, VA; bonus granddaughter, LeShea McIver, Newark, NJ; one brother, David (Bonnie) Charles, Jr., Wichita Falls, TX; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Charles, Raleigh, NC; Ruth (Cleveland) Holifield, New Caney, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. The family will be forever grateful for the outstanding care provided by Comfort Care and the staff at Elance in Old Town Alexandria.  A very special thanks to Mimi, Bernice, Cece and Alicia. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist Church, 351 Second St., Conemaugh, with the Rev. Maurice Williams. Committal, Benshoff Hill Cemetery. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.