It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the peaceful passing of Charles Donnie Britt, 85, of Spotsylvania, VA, on Sunday, January 10, 2021 to congestive heart disease.
Even as his health declined the last few years, his love for the things that mattered most in life never did. Known for his deep love of Jesus, his family and the Tar Heels, Charles maintained that he had lived a long and happy life full of love and great memories up until the end.
Charles grew up in Lumberton, NC born to Donnie and Estelle Britt. After completing his service in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his degree from Western Carolina University. He worked for over 50 years in the retail industry, managing Roses stores in Kentucky and North Carolina and Ben Franklin stores in Virginia. He culminated his retail career when he and his wife became group owners and operators of the local Ben Franklin store in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his career. After retiring, he had the chance to become a hands-on grandpa to his youngest great-grandchildren. While the last years of his life were filled with more health challenges, he was always grateful for having time to spend with his wife, family and friends.
Charles loved the Lord and served him faithfully from the time he was a young man. He was a member of the Gideon Ministry and of Goshen Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School director and when his health deteriorated, through his outreach to other shut-ins within his church community. Though he was many important things to many people, he was first and foremost a beloved servant and friend of God. He will be deeply missed, but we know we will see him again.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Britt; his granddaughter, Candace Howlin Kay; and his faithful dog and companion, Kush.
Charles will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Gay; children Donna Britt Eastham, Kim McClellan (Kelly), and Carla Britt (Jill); grandchildren Faith Bennett (Andre), Caitlin and Cassidy Eastham, and Hannah, Sarah, and Jacob McClellan; great-grandchildren Josiah Kay and Zora Bennett; brothers, JI (Laura Lee) and Jack (Janet) Britt; sister-in-law, Chris Shelton; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 16 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. Interment will be held privately in Quantico National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goshen Baptist Church, 9800 Gordon Road, Spotsylvania, VA, 22553, or to The Gideons International Spotsylvania Camp.
To view the live stream service click here.