Charles Harry McCorvey Sr., 86, of Roanoke, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Charles was born Nov. 28, 1936, in Colquitt County, Georgia, the son of William Herbert McCorvey and Elberta Davidson McCorvey.  He grew up in Albany, Ga., where he met and married his wife of more than 64 years, Helen Tucker McCorvey, daughter of Pierce Tucker and Mable Viar.

Charles joined the United States Air Force as a means to support a family, where he used his knowledge of electronics in the intelligence field.  That experience became his lifelong passion, where he spent more than 40 years involved in the electronic intelligence gathering and all forms of secure communications.

He loved his country, history, world events, and politics. As most friends know, he did not miss an opportunity to relate his life experiences and what he thought of the current situations around the world, to anyone that would listen.

He recently wrote in his memoirs that “he was proud of his children and grandchildren and that he was blessed with a great and perfect wife.  When I first met her, I knew she was the one that I wanted to share my life with. She has exceeded my dreams in every capacity, and is now giving more than anyone could think in her care for me with my rapidly deteriorating old body. I can never thank her enough for being the perfect wife. I love her very much.”

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Martha Diane Evatt.

He is survived by his wife and children Michele Thompson (Gary) of Roanoke, Charles H. McCorvey Jr. (Su) of Dallas, Texas, Teresa Haney of Roanoke, Alisa Bruce (Marshall) of Milner, Ga., and Gloria Fox of Rocky Mount; and sister Lynn McCorvey Williams of Columbia, S.C.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Valerie Dickerson, Morgan Darling, Brian Haney, Rebecca Yandrick, Joshua Tatum, Misty Tatum, Jason Tatum, Amanda Fox, Adam Fox and Cody Fox; and 16 great-grandchildren, Xavian Sagoes, Elijah Saunders, Mykalah Saunders, Alyssa Tatum, Vincent Phadongsy, Connor Phadongsy, Adrianna Phadongsy, Ally Haney, Kaitlyn Haney, Alex Haney, Reagan Peterson, Carter Yandrick, Silas Yandrick, Michael Tatum, Andrew Tatum, and Talon Cummings; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services with military honors and burial were held on Jan. 11 at Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista.

The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of the Salem VA Medical Center for their dignified and professional care.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice.