Charles Wolff

Family-Placed Death Notice

WOLFF, Charles Charles Emerson Wolff, of Green Creek, NC, and long time Atlanta/Buckhead resident, died Sept. 11, 2010, from pancreatic cancer in Landrum, SC.   Charles found great happiness in his marriage to his wife Nance, and adored his son, Christopher Hampton Wolff. A 5th generation Atlantan, Charles was born Oct. 12, 1951, and predeceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Preston Wolff. Surviving are his siblings John McDowell Wolff, Bernard Wellborn Wolff, Susan Wolff Lindley, and Marian Wolff Nolan and many nieces and nephews.  His heritage includes GA Gov. Joseph M. Brown, Gov. Joseph E. Brown, Atlanta Mayor George Hillyer, VA Gov. James McDowell, Patrick Henry, and many more illustrious leaders of our country. Charles grew up in Buckhead, living first at "Knollwood," and then "Treetops" on W. Wesley, where he met his lifelong friend, Henry Bruns.  He went to Morris Brandon, Lovett, Woodward, graduating from Northside in 1970, and then attending Oglethorpe University. Charles loved all animals, especially cats, the Wolff family mynah bird, Gene ("What is it NOW?"), and his multitude of farm animals. Most people who knew him considered him to be their best friend. Charles was a lifelong rock and roll drummer, singer, guitarist, and songwriter, performing with many Atlanta groups, including Thermos Greenwood, The Brains, Fletcher and the Piedmonts, Rosebud, Dennis Yost and the Classics 4, Chuck Berry, Piano Red, and in N.C., The Lone Derangers, and the Trophy Husbands. He provided session work for major studios in the southeast and traveled internationally on tour with The Brains. In the 1970s, he was signed with the Lowery Group of Atlanta and Estelle Axton of Memphis, TN. Several years ago, Charles repaired part of the Fox Theatre organ's percussion, restoring the drum sound quality and autographing his work deep inside the organ. His last accomplishment was organizing the Piano Red Review held at Smith's Olde Bar in August. Several of "Red's" original band members played, along with Tommy Dean, and, Terry Adams of NRBQ.  Charles was too sick to attend, but it was one of the best rock and roll shows ever held. Charles helped organize the 1st Spindale Goat festival, now to be an annual event. His passing is a tremendous loss to the GA musical community, his family, and many friends in Atlanta and Western NC. His family would like to thank Doreen Cochran for keeping him laughing during his illness.  A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 18th at St. Martin-in-the-fields Episcopal Church on Ashford Dunwoody Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smith-Phayer Hospice House, 260 Fair Winds Rd., PO Box 127, Landrum, SC 29356.