Charles William Wymer

RICHLANDS, VA

Charles William Wymer, age 77, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA. 

Charlie was born in Marion, VA to the late Charles E. “Cue Ball” Wymer and Edith “Dee Dee” Rouse Wymer. Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by an infant son Charles Wymer, Jr.; sister Debbie Morrison; and mother-in-law Nannie Mae King. 

Charlie was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the Yom Kippur War. He spent two years stationed on the minesweeper USS Endurance, before serving aboard the guided missel cruiser USS Columbus. Following his active-duty service, Charlie continued his commitment to the military as a member of the Navy Reserves and as a combat engineer with the Virginia National Guard. His dedication to serving others extended well beyond his military career. Charlie worked as a deputy with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and later as a police officer for the City of Richmond. Demonstrating a lifelong passion for learning, he returned to school and earned his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. This accomplishment led him to a fulfilling career as a professor of criminal justice at Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands.

Outside of his professional life, Charlie was a talented woodworker and a passionate Civil War enthusiast. He cherished spending time with his family and enjoyed traveling across the United States with his wife and children. An avid outdoorsman, he frequently hiked and camped throughout Grayson County. He was an accomplished runner and regularly participated in the Willis Cup in Richlands. The impact Charlie had on his family, friends, and the communities he served and explored is truly immeasurable. 

Survivors include his loving wife of over 57 years Carolyn King Wymer; two sons Matthew Wymer & wife Mira and Adam Wymer & wife Allison; granddaughter Virginia Miju Wymer; brothers Mike Wymer & wife Linda and Steve Wymer & wife Beverly; sisters Becky Ewald & husband Clay and Christie Hutton; along with several nieces, nephews, numerous friends and co-workers, and students throughout the years. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, January 17, 2025, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Pastor Tony Hess officiating. Interment will follow at Middle Fork Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post 4667 and the U.S. Navy Honors Team. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00PM, on Friday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Wymer Family.