Big Stone Gap, Va.-Harold Charles, Jr., 69, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at his home.
Born in Danville, Ill., he lived most of his life in Lee County, Va. He was a foreman for the Railserve Railroad Co. Harold loved his family immensely and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He was a member of There Is Hope Gospel Church in Big Stone Gap.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alma (Brightwell) Parsons; step-father, James Parsons; and brothers, Bill Parsons, Robert Parsons and Jimmy Parsons.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Debra Sue (Sturgill) Charles; children, Dreama Christian of the home; Samuel Stidham (Jamii Salyers) of the home; Harold Charles, III, Crystal Charles and Tabitha Charles, all of Illlinois; several grandchildren, including Brennen Christian, Brent Christian, Brayden Howard, Elexis Cheek (Nate), Haven Stidham and Lakyn Stidham; several great grandchildren, including Ivy Cheek; siblings, Mary Drake (Ronnie) of Belton, Ky., Brenda Jacobs (Don) of Missouri, Kenny Parsons (Cindy) of Kentucky, Mike Parsons (Marilyn Banks) of Dryden, Va. and Robert Brightwell of Jonesborough, Tenn.; several nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Minia Sturgill of Big Stone Gap.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Friday, July 11, 2025, at There Is Hope Full Gospel Church, 1209 S. Cumberland St., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor John Dickenson and Bro. Joseph Sturgill officiating.
Burial will follow at the Powell Valley Cemetery, Dryden, Va.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Charles family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.