Charles Wroten

Charles M. Wroten, Jr., 84 of Hayes and Mathews, Virginia, entered in to rest on December 18, 2014. Charles was born on November 15, 1930, to Charles and Hilda Wroten. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and retired as a dredging contractor where he built his own dredge and tug boat. He dredged every state this side of the Mississippi River, frequently taking his granddaughter on trips and jobs along with teaching his son the family business. Charles was a fine Christian gentlemen and was devoted to Spring Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was a fifty-year member and past officer in the Masonic Lodge, Oriental No. 20. Charles was kind and gentle, a devoted father and grandfather. He was loved by all who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and first love, Thelma Jean Soles Wroten, his parents, Charles Sr. and Hilda Wroten, and his brother, Jessie Wroten. He is survived by his second wife of twelve years, Mary Oliver, his beloved son, Captain Eppa Dale Wroten, granddaughter, Amanda Dale Wroten, grandson, James Boyd Jarvis (Julie), great granddaughter, Melanie Jarvis, adopted son, Paul Gibson, two step-daughters, Dale Jenkins (James) and Fleta West (Marian), one step-son, Leroy Oliver (Mary), three sisters, Elaine Carlton, Frances King, and Virginia Majette. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Shelia Wroten Thompson (Bobby) whom he loved very much, and a sister-in-law, Rose Hudgins and brother-in-law, Marvin Soles. In his final days he was cared for by little Mary and Rose, whom he called his angels. He will often be remembered for his Christmas tree, suspended from the boom of his crane and visible from James Store, which he made for his two grandchildren.

Charles will be greatly missed by his friends and many loved ones. A funeral service will be conducted by Dr. Charles McDaniel and Reverend Richard Whiteheart on Sunday, December 21, 2014. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews, Virginia. Immediately following the funeral Masonic rites will be given. Interment will follow in Spring Hill Baptist Church in Cobbs Creek, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 723, Mathews, VA 23109 or Gloucester Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 1417, Gloucester, VA 23061 in his memory.