Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Charles Oscar Van Gorder III


01/29/1946 - 10/30/2022


Charles O. Van Gorder, III, "Chuck" of Brasstown, NC, passed away peacefully at age 76 on the morning of Sunday, October 30,2022.

Born on January 29, 1946 in Hackensack, NJ, Chuck was the son of late Dr. Charles O. Van Gorder and Helen Lockerby Van Gorder. He grew up in Andrews, NC, where he attended public school, then graduated high school after two years at Miami Military Academy in Miami, FL. After a few years in college, Chuck joined the Army. He served in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as a Ranger with the 101st Airborne. He was wounded in action on July 18, 1969, and was awarded The Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Men's Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Serice Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Parachutist Badge. After recovery at Walter Reed Hospital, he returned home. Chuck received a Degree in Nursing from Georgia State University, followed by a Degree in Business from Mars Hill University. He worked at Sam Jones Realty in Andrews until retirement. Chuck was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry. He showed his compassion for his community through on going involvement with the District Memorial Hospital Board, the Smokey Mountain Shrine Club of the Oasis Shrine Temple, The VFW, Gideons, Matt's Ministry Food Pantry, Outward Bound Board, Red Cross Blood Drives, and as a Boy Scout Leader. He was a warm, loving and giving husband, son, brother, and uncle. One of Chuck's joys was gathering every 4th of July with his Vietnam Brothers, with whom he maintained lifelong friendships. He loved the Atlanta Braves, movies, music, and sharing great food with family and friends.

Surviving is his wife, Rebecca Ledford Van Gorder; sisters, Suzanne Van Gorder of Andrews, and Catherine Odom and husband, Doug of Brevard, NC; and two nephews, Chris Kip, and Matt Kip, both of Columbia, SC.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville with Father Bill Breedlove officiating.

Military graveside rites will be conducted at 2 pm at Valleytown Cemetery on Saturday, November 12, 2022 by the American Legion Post #96, Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and the Marine Corp League, Marble.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations in memory of Charles Van Gorder to Oasis Temple Shriners Hospital for Children, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262 or to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com