- Date Of Birth: February 9, 1921
- Date Of Death: July 16, 2016
- State: North Carolina
Charles Raymond Carmichael died peacefully with family at his bedside on July 12,2016 at the Stewart Health Center of Charlotte.
In 95 years he lived a rich and full life. It all began when as a child that Charles seemed destined to be in aviation. When his family moved to Charlotte they settled on the grounds of what is now the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Charles played in the field that became runways for planes larger than he could imagine as a child.
Charles graduated from Central High School, where he met his wife of 66 years, Katherine Griswold. With the war effort escalating he was a civilian employed as manager in the army airplane parts division and this was the beginning of a career in aviation taking off.
In 1942, Charles enlisted in the Army Air Corps, which was the gateway to a lifetime career in aviation. He served as fighter pilot flight instructor. On return to civilian life he began a career in Air Traffic Control. Not one to part with his love of flying; he also joined the North Carolina Air National Guard. The camaraderie among fellow pilots and the experience of flying his all time favorite the F-86 Sabre jet can best be described as the pinnacle of his flying career.
When the Korean War began he was called back into duty by the Air Force. He flew over 100 combat missions while serving in Korea. Charles earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart when his F 80 Shooting Star jet fighter when it was struck by enemy aircraft fire. In spite of receiving wounds to his eyes and face he managed to return his severely damaged jet back to base.
Upon return to civilian life he remained in air traffic control and continued a varied career taking him from establishing communications systems at the Myrtle Beach, SC Air Force Base. From there he was transferred to Texas where he was in charge of all the control towers in West Texas. Then on to Atlanta as head of the FAA Planning Department. Charles’ final transfer was to Greensboro, NC as Deputy Chief in Charge of Operations for part of the Southeast.
Officially retiring from Air Traffic Control in 1979. Charles began yet another career. He always had a side interest in building and remodeling so as a 3rd career he became a General Contractor. Once again his was a many storied career ranging from installing storm doors to overseeing the restoration and Fresco installation at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Charles officially retired in 1999.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife Katherine , his son Charles R. Carmichael Jr. and his grandsons: Andrew Walker Sloan, Karl Alexander Untz and Charles Ryan Untz.
Charles is survived by his children Peter G. Carmichael, Katherine and son-in -law Jim Sloan, Mary Lisa Carmichael, Jacqueline and son-in-law Ray Weaver, grandchildren James Christian Sloan and Kerry Marguerite Untz. Great grandson Eli Hartsell.
As his children we are proud of his many achievements but we are most proud of this kind and humble man who loved and accepted all who crossed his path. We know you have earned your last set of wings dad!
A very special thanks to the entire staff at the Stewart Health Center. With deepest gratitude not just for excellent care but all the amazing friendship, love,and kindness that was given.
