Charles M. Parker's Obituary
Farewell to the Man, the Myth, the Welder:
Charles M. Parker, known to everyone as Chuck, on December 15, 2025 officially hung up his welding mask and set sail for the great beyond. A proud veteran of the US Navy, Chuck served honorably during the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life that earned him a well-deserved honorable discharge and a lifelong knack for knowing exactly how to fix just about anything (or at least how to tell you were doing it wrong).
A Life of Sparks and Steel
By trade, Chuck was a master of the arc and the flame. He spent his career as a professional welder and was the kind of guy who understood that if you couldn't fix it with a steady hand and a high-heat weld, it probably wasn't worth fixing. Chuck spent his last years as a devout employee of Bingham & Taylor.
Chairman of the Barstool
While he worked hard, Chuck truly excelled at his second "profession": Holding Council. He was a local patron of Zandra’s on Mondays and Beer Hound and Far Gohn Tuesdays through Sundays. At these local watering holes Chuck could be found with a cold beverage and a stool as Chuck was likely the unofficial Mayor of the establishment.
He was a man who valued loyalty, sharp wit, and a good story. Chuck is survived by his stepdaughter, Amanda Pruitt, and a legendary roster of friends who served as his "board of directors" over the years. The local scene won’t be quite the same without his presence, and he will be deeply missed by: The Regulars: Larry, Mack, Frank, Paul, John, Dick, Rick, Bill, Andy, Woodbery Drew and Big Al.
The Ladies who kept him in line: Janet, Shirley, Gilda, Brittany and Alicia.
"He may have left the shipyard, but the sparks he flew and the laughs he shared will keep our hearts warm for a long time."
Chuck requested no somber tears—just maybe a toast in his honor next time you find yourself at the pub. Smooth sailing Sailor, and may you have fair winds and following seas….. We’ve got the watch from here.
Interment is scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 E. Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA, with honors provided by VFW Post 2524.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at https://www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.
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