Big Stone Gap, VA – Charlie Willard Fannon, 77, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at his home with his family by his side. Born in Pennington Gap, Va., he graduated from Pennington High School. Charlie worked for the Town of Big Stone Gap Department of Parks and Recreation for many years. He and his wife, Betty were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus in the Big Stone Gap Christmas Parade for many years. Charlie always was willing to help out friends and neighbors. He loved vegetable gardening and watching baseball. The most important thing in life to Charlie was his beloved wife Betty. They were always seen together, not one without the other. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Betty Fannon; parents, Boyd and Hilda (Collier) Fannon, Sr.; brothers, Thomas Fannon, Troy Fannon and Bryant Fannon and sisters, Barbara Ruth Smith and Sally Tracey.
Charlie is survived by his children, Joseph Eugene Ellis (Beth) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Jennifer Stafford (Donald) of Big Stone Gap, VA; siblings, Boyd Fannon, Jr. of Seminary, Darrell Fannon (Paula) of Dryden, VA, Patsy Klem of Kentucky and Peggy Trent of Duffield, VA; grandchildren, Heather Ellis Glover (Wes), Jessica Ellis Taylor, Megan Ellis Nowlin, Alex Stafford (Martha), Alexia Stafford (Kalen Gardner) and Joseph Grant Ellis; great-grandchildren, Kamalynn and Ryleigh Burchell, Audrina Glover and Addalyn Glover, Hunter and Caden Taylor, Harper Nowlin and Mackenzie and Ellie Stafford, Kyra Bowman, Skyla Hall and Talia Thompson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Rick Phillips officiating.
Graveside services will follow at American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap. Pallbearers will be: Alex Stafford, Kalen Gardner, Joseph Ellis, Wes Glover, Darrell Fannon and David Carter. Members of the Big Stone Gap Fire Department and Employees of the Town of Big Stone Gap will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Charlie Fannon.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.