Charles A. "Charlie" Wornom

Charles A (Charlie) Wornom died on February 26, 2017 at the age of 88. He was a lifelong resident of Hampton, Virginia, having been born on the Smith Farm near the East Hampton Bridge. He faced many challenges as a young boy. His father died when he was one year old leaving his mother with the huge responsibility of raising six young children by herself. In order to provide for her young family, she was forced to work several jobs each day. This led Charlie to his commitment of, not only helping his mother, but also developing a determination to live better than she did. His experience in this regard greatly influenced Charlie and was the driving force behind his day to day actions. Included in these efforts, at an early age, were his working as a “paper boy” on a large route and selling eggs. Quite possibly the most influential job in his younger years was when, at fourteen, he ventured into the pharmaceutical trade as a “soda jerk” in L.G. Smith’s drugstore in downtown Hampton. The table was then set for his future.

Charlie graduated from Hampton High School and attended the Medical College of Virginia. Because of finances, after one year, he joined the Army and was part of the U.S. Armed Forces’ occupation of Japan after World War 11. When his service ended he spent the next three years at the Medical College of Virginia. He graduated in June 1951 and became a registered pharmacist. Shortly after, through the help of a longtime acquaintance, he purchased a drug store on North King Street in Hampton. During Charlie’s most active years, he owned eight pharmacies. The most popular one was Charlie’s Pharmacy in downtown Hampton. Those who are aware of his accomplishments credit his success to the fact he loved meeting and helping people. He would take whatever time was necessary to respond to someone’s needs.

Charlie was a member of, and active in many professional associations and various organizations. He was honored with the Hampton Businessman of the Year Award in 1968. In 1967, Charlie decided he wanted to give back to the community he loved so much and, as a result, sought election to the Hampton City Council. He was elected and served the next twenty nine and one half years. During this time he was mayor for two and one half years and vice mayor for four years. His business acumen, personality, and willingness to address difficult issues made him a very valuable player in the efforts to make Hampton a great place. Of all the projects in which Charlie was involved, he took great pride in the Hampton Coliseum and would talk to anybody about it.

Twenty nine and one half years of public service and approximately forty five years as a successful businessman and friend to0 many is quite a legacy. To pay tribute to it, on July 17, 1996, Charlie was presented the Distinguished Citizen Award by the City of Hampton. It is the City’s highest recognition and in the eyes of many, well deserved.

Charlie is survived by his wife Frances Carolyn Wornom; daughters, Ann Marie Turlington of Hampton, VA, Lori Kristin Wornom of Los Angeles, CA; grandson, William Charles Carty; great grandsons, Brandon A. Carty and Trevor L. Carty; nephew, Howard "Rusty" Wornom of Glen Allen, VA (wife Maria); great-nephew, Howard Edward Leek, of Sterling, VA (wife Sheryl); great-great nephews, Howard Trent Leek, Hunter Reno Dalton; great-great nieces, Kelsey Aire Leek, Morgen Faye Leek, and Michelle Renee' Dalton of Malabar, FL    

"Grand Happy" was loved dearly by Damian Lee, Elaina Skye, and their parents Earl and Dana Politano, of Newport News, VA.   His 'daughter-in-heart" Amber V. Wright of Hampton, VA made him laugh; he always said she was his number "3" daughter

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton. The family will receive friends Friday from 4-6 pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.

Memorial donations can be made to the Hampton History Museum Association, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton, Virginia 23669