Charles H. Magee, Jr., 90, of Spotsylvania, VA passed away on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA with family by his side.
Born and raised in Wash DC, he spent his summers at the family cottage at Dare's Beach on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay where fishing was a favorite pastime.
As a young man, he worked for a chain of movie theaters in Washington, DC first as an usher but quickly rising to manager. Even 70 years afterwards, he would delight in talking about those early days working in the grand theaters of the past.
He proudly served in the US Army, stationed in both Carlisle, PA and Fort Lee, VA. During this time, he was fortunate enough to also be actively involved with his lifelong passion for baseball, where he played for an Army minor league team.
Following his military service, he embarked on what would become a career just shy of 50 years with the telephone company. Initially climbing poles and troubleshooting, then moving to teletype services and eventually transitioning into management with Verizon from which he retired in 1998.
This career afforded him the opportunity to work on projects at the White House as well as on the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Mission, of which he was extremely proud.
An avid baseball fan but with his playing days behind him, he found other means by which to stay connected to the game he so loved- he became an umpire. An 18 year stretch of calling balls and strikes saw him work games on multiple levels from little league, high school and even semi-pro.
As a fan, he followed the local teams- Senators, Orioles, Nationals and, of course, Redskins. In recent years, he challenged himself with crossword puzzles while sipping on his morning coffee. With an ocassional pause, he would lift his eyes from the book to simply watch the birds at the feeder he had set up in his back yard.
A devoted husband and father, he was a kind and caring soul. Always had time for someone in need of help or advice. At a moment's notice, willing to grab a hammer or screwdriver to help a neighbor with their household problem. But mostly, he loved talking........talking with his family........talking with friends........or talking about his family with friends........or with anyone who might lend an ear.
Charles is survived by his four children, Linda Horn (Tommy Harkins), Richard Magee (Laura Hoffman), Paula Gregorius, and Charles Magee III and wife Ana; four grandchildren, Ron Horn and wife Ali, Maggie Horn, Stacie Gregorius, and Randall Gregorius and wife Amanda; three great grandchildren, Willow Horn, River Horn, and Ivan Gregorius.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Sr and Pearl Magee; sister Nancy; and his wife of 59 years, Jean.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in Quantico National Cemetery.