Obituary: Charlie Dunn Alston

Charlie Dunn Alston, passed away peacefully at his home in LaGrange, NC on August 10, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on November 14, 1938, in Scotland Neck, Charlie led a life rich in service, dedication, and love for his family, friends, and faith.

Charlie graduated from Scotland Neck High School in May 1957 and went on to complete a two-year business administration program at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, in May 1960. His career as a bookkeeper and office manager spanned nearly six decades, beginning in September 1960 at Lassiter Milling Co. in Raleigh, where he worked until October 1962. He then returned to Scotland Neck to continue his career with Harrison Oil Co. as an office manager and bookkeeper for 20 years, and served several other small businesses, a church, and a cemetery in town. The final 35 years of his professional life were spent as the office manager, bookkeeper, and corporate secretary-treasurer for Stillwaters, Inc., a large hog farming operation owned by W. D. "Billy" Waters.

Charlie's passion for genealogy and local history was evident through his memberships and support of numerous historical and genealogical societies, including life memberships with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Military Order of the Stars and Bars, Sons of the American Revolution, a charter member of Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters, Halifax County Genealogical Society (where he served as secretary for several years), Edgecombe County Genealogical Society, and North Carolina Genealogical Society. He also spent countless hours doing research in cemeteries, courthouses, the NC archives and in correspondence with other researchers from coast to coast.

Charlie is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Reginald Whitaker Alston and Sue Arrington Dunn, and his three older brothers, Balfour C. Alston, Reginald W. Alston, Jr., and Lon Dunn Alston. He is survived by a family who cherished him deeply, including his nephew, Reginald W. Alston III (Debbie) of LaGrange, NC and niece Terry Alston Swinnie (Frank) of Andrews, SC; great-nephews and nieces, Reginald W. Alston IV (Mary Susan), Kristy Alston Herring, John Ivey Alston (Anna) and children: Ameila and Charlie, David Jeffrey Alston, April Caroline Alston, and Kate Alston King (Roy) and children: Rachel, Laura, Ethan and Isaac, Frances Arrington Swinnie and son, Owen; Robert "Bobby" Franklin Swinnie III (Terra) and children: Camie, Gracie, and Finn; Alston Bert Swinnie (Kristin) and children: Amelia and Hadleigh.

Charlie's life was marked by his deep devotion to God, his church, and the people he held dear. Known for his eloquent correspondence, he touched many lives with his heartfelt letters and thoughtful words. As one who enjoyed a simple life, one of his cherished quotes was, "My riches lie not in the value of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants." His favorite scripture, which he quoted often, was Isaiah 28:9-13 & 16, saying the Lord worked on him "here a little, and there a little."

For those that had the opportunity to spend time with Charlie, even if it was just a short visit, they walked away knowing they had just spoken with a true southern gentleman with a good southern drawl. They also heard a great story and definitely enjoyed some laughter since Charlie was such a good story teller and he had a great sense of humor.

The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Elder William Edwards officiating the service. A private burial will take place at the Baptist Cemetery.

A very special thank you to Anna Alston for her deep devotion as a caregiver to Charlie over the last few years, they became very close. The family would also like to thank UNC Lenoir Wound Care, CenterWell Home Health and Gentiva Hospice for their care and helpfulness as well.

In celebrating Charlie's life, we remember a man who loved wholeheartedly and lived humbly, leaving a legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck has been entrusted with the arrangements for the Alston family. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.