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Charles DeVaney Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles DeVaney
Billie Murphy
January 25, 2025
Charles was one of the best friends I've ever had - and the evening of January 28 changed my life forever. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet who entered his orbit...we spent so much time together that upon conclusion of his funeral, I stopped by La Maison (our favorite place) to see Heinz. Three women were seated in the bar area - and as they were leaving, one of these ladies said "I know who you are - weren't you his girlfriend?" I looked at Heinz and back and her and said "yes I was". Great memories. The world was a better place (on every level) with him. I miss him so much.
Billie Murphy
January 24, 2024
January 24, 2024. I always dread this week. I called Charles the morning of January 28 (he was in Hilton Head with Mark and Marci) to let him know I would see him later in the day and I was baking Hazel a pound cake. Spent the day in Edgefield with mom. She was with me when we got the call Sunday night. The next day I heard his voice mail on my answering machine. He was a gift and will never be forgotten. Something most people do not know. His mom Hazel died January 28, 2008. Same day as Charles - one year later.
Billie Murphy
January 27, 2021
Without a doubt one of the best friends I’ve ever in my life had. The eve of his untimely death January 28, 2007. I miss him every day. He was the best.
Pamela Haveron
January 25, 2020
Missed very much still in Godalming UK often talked about by Friends of Oglethorpe. Pam F of O
Mary Kemmerlin-McClain
February 11, 2007
To the Family of Mr Charles DeVaney:
May God strengthen you during this time of deep loss. You are in my prayers. God Bless.
B. Rooks
February 7, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Jacqueline Barnby-Neads
February 5, 2007
29 01 2007
On Tuesday I was in the garden at Westbrook End when the telephone went - never did I think to hear that Charles had died in a car crash- he was so alive.
Without Charles so much would not have happened to further our understanding of the United States and especially the people of Georgia. He involved all his friends to enrich our stay during our many visits to Augusta with the Friends of Oglethorpe.
I am so glad he made the annual Christmas speech at our society dinner in December, which was held in James Oglethorpe’s old home. I had the honour to sit opposite Charles, enabling me to ask all those questions on America today.
We shall all miss him terribly. Please now let us carry on his good work to enable us to keep in touch with each other.
My sympathy to all our friends in Augusta.
from
Jacqueline Westbrook End Godalming Surrey England
Bryan, Polly, Megan & Matthew Rawl
February 2, 2007
To hear the loss of Charles was a shock to us. The fundraiser for the Jeff Chavis House will not be the same without him. He will truly be missed. God has a new angel in heaven.
Nanci LeRoy
February 2, 2007
Today and always I'll remember a great man who accomplished so much and was deeply loved by many. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to know and work with you. You left us too soon but the memories you left behind are valuable. You will certainly be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pam & Steve Palmer
February 2, 2007
We first came to know Charles in Augusta through the 'Friends of Oglethorpe' some 15 years ago. Since then we have met with him regularly although from our viewpoint far too infrequently, usually when he came over to England and popped down to Godalming. He was always a much anticipated and welcome visitor, regarded as an ambassador of not only Augusta and Georgia, but of the whole United States. He always tried to attend our group Christmas meeting, and last year was no exception. As always we asked him to speak, and as always he delivered an urbane, balanced, professorial and well received talk on the current US political scene. It would be hard to over-estimate the amount of goodwill and understanding which he generated here over the years. We liked him and respected him, and now we mourn him and will always miss him. We know that our loss must be magnified in his family and close friends, and send them our deepest sympathy.
Kathryn Warr
February 2, 2007
I was fortunate to work with Charles just last year on the Godalming exchange and treasure the experience. He was a champion for Augusta and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his dear Mother.
Allen DeLaigle
February 1, 2007
with deepest sympathy, Allen and Caroline DeLaigle,Waynesboro, Ga.
Henrietta Cooper (Law) Avery
February 1, 2007
I was saddened to learn of the former Mayor's Transition.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
You have my Sympathy for your loss.
Mr. DeVaney was a good Mayor for Augusta and we shall never forget the part he played in our History.
Henrietta Cooper(Law)Avery & Family
Rebecca Reardon
February 1, 2007
To Charles' family and other friends:
He was loved by so many people and respected by even more. Charles was a wonderful and brilliant man and will be missed.
I am so glad I got to say goodbye to him before I moved to Texas last
August. I was proud of all that Charles accomplished and sorry for
all the things he won't get to do.
He was an amazing man, and the city of Augusta has suffered a great loss.
February 1, 2007
Sharon Samuels & Family
Emile Delegram
February 1, 2007
I have known Charles for a couple of years working on the board of directors of The Southeastern Firefighters' Burn Foundation. The many memories and travels we made together are going to be missed. Charles' goals for the foundation were always to take care of the families and the burn surviors. As I read this book I see that this was also the way he did everything in life. When he put his heart into somthing it was going to be done to highest levels. We are going to miss him and the many things he has done for us and the city.
Delores Jarrett
February 1, 2007
May God be with this family in their time of need. We will truly miss this man. I saw him at the River Walk, he took out the time so I could take a picture of him. He was very kind and had a big smile.
Helen Manganiello
February 1, 2007
As a child, Mayor Devaney used to "spin" around in my Daddy's chair or so I was told at my Father's retirement dinner. His beloved Mother worked for my beloved Father who I lost in 1998. At my Father's retirement dinner, the Mayor was kind enough to present my Father with a plaque which declared that day to be:
"Louis O.J. Manganiello,M.D. Day"
[Not that my Father did not deserve such an honor, he was the 1st Neurosurgeon in Augusta,helped set up the dept.@ MCG in 1949 and he was a wonderful man and greatest Father ever!].
ANYWAY......
That meant so very much to my Daddy and to all of us,the members of his family. Throughout his life Charles was a considerate, dedicated and hardworking man. The dedication and devotion he had for the City of Augusta could only be riveled by his love for his family & friends. My family and I are honored to have known such a man and his kindness towards my family will never be forgotten. The City has lost one of its strongest supporters while my family and I have lost a dear friend.
My prayers are with his family.
Bill Baab
February 1, 2007
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Lucero, Rick Toole and other members of Charles' family. Charles was a great supporter of Savannah River events: the rowing regatta, River Race Augusta and the Augusta Southern National Drag Boat Races. On a personal note, he helped stop a care home from moving into our residential neighborhood. He was one of the best mayors Augusta ever had. Every time we saw him at different functions in recent years, he always greeted us with that warm, cheery smile. We'll miss him. Bill and Bea Baab, Augusta.
United Methodist Women Hephzibah United Methodist
January 31, 2007
Our visits to deliver personal care items that our church collects and donates to the Badke and Still guest houses for the Burn Unit will not be the same due to Mr. DeVaney's passing, he was always so friendly and appreciative of the items. The families of the burn patients were so lucky to have such a caring person in that position. He will be greatly missed but remembered for all the good things he accomplished for our area.
May God's blessings be with the family at this time of sorrow.
Dorothy Wofford
January 31, 2007
Mrs.Lucerno, my husband, Henry,joins
me in sending condolences to you and the family in the untimely death
of Charles. You will be in our prayers in the difficult days ahead.
Dorothy Mixon Wofford
Vaden and Linda Chavis
January 31, 2007
I served on the board at the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation with Charles and spent a good bit of time with him at fundraisers. I also considered him a friend. He was truly a man of great integrity and was someone you truly loved being around. Not only did he help the Foundation grow to a whole new level,
but he always took the time to listen to suggestions-no matter how big or small. I can not begin to put in words how much he will be missed. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
Carroll Binns, Jr.
January 31, 2007
"Miss Hazel", Growing up with Charles as my best friend were some of the best days I can remember. From Kindergarten through college, the Bell Choir, the Cub Scouts, Social, Houghton, Tubman, Richmond, Charles could be counted on for anything. Thank you for being such a good friend to my mother and our family. I will miss Charles greatly. May you be comforted by knowing Charles was an outstanding person and touched many lives. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Michael and Donna Nelson
January 31, 2007
Charles was my neighbor downtown as well as my customer through Augusta Tomorrow and the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation. Most importantly he was my friend and as my wife put it "a true country gentleman". We hadnt seen much of him since we moved away from Olde Town but his death has had an impact on us as well as a great many Augustans. We pray that the Spirit of God will bring peace to his family.
Marlene Marsh
January 31, 2007
Marlene Jordan Marsh
Mr & Mrs James Kenneth Ellis, Jr.
January 31, 2007
Oour thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find comfort in memories, and peace knowing Charles is with God.
Kevin DeLaigle
January 31, 2007
We are very grateful for Mayor DeVaney's contributions to historic preservation in Augusta, particularly at Magnolia Cemetery.
Our sincerest condolences...
Pamela Haveron
January 31, 2007
As you have already heard, Charles was a very close friend of the Friends of Oglethorpe in Godalming and Cranham where Oglethorpe is buried. His last visit to Godalming was for our Christmas party in 2006. My last memories of him were taking him to a concert in London, driving down Regent Street to see the lights, walking round the windows of Harrods and finally walking him over the Millenium Bridge in the City of London at midnight before warming up with mince pies and coffee in the car. Charles was fun to be with and much loved. We will miss him terribly. Dr Pamela Haveron Secretary, Friends of Oglethorpe.
Linda Dinkins
January 31, 2007
Mrs. Lucero- I met Charles in college and had lunch with him the day he decided to go into law and change from pre-med. After the early years, we had many business dealings together when he was in a law practice on Greene St. and I was a young Realtor. He handled most of my own legal work, and he even took a closing statement and check to my sister in Atlanta as a favor to me. I attended his wedding with our close, mutual friends, Susan and Harold Simon. We remained friends from his mayoral campaign to his moive to Augusta State University.
I share your loss and will miss Charles very much! I remember how devoted he was to you and am certain that he made you so very proud. He had great integrity and strength of character with his many accomplishments in life.
With warmest regards,
Linda E. Dinkins
Judy Whaley
January 31, 2007
I used to play with Charles on Broad Street when we were children. Charles was always so kind and considerate, we played under the steps at Mrs. Moore's house and I would also listen to him playing the piano on the steps of his house. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We were also down at Hilton head this past weekend.
Judy(Tylor)Whaley
Mrs. Catherine Tylor
Katie DeLaigle
January 31, 2007
Charles was truly an Ambassador for the City of Augusta. On behalf of the DeLaigle Family, we sincerely appreciate his contributions to Historic Preservation.
He will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to his Family.
Katie B. DeLaigle
Susan Brega
January 31, 2007
Mrs. Lucero: I lived behind the Cross' house many years ago when I was in my early twenties and first had the pleasure of meeting you, Tony, and Charles. I lost track of him over the years, but fortunately had the opportunity to become reaquainted with him during the past several years. He was always kind, thoughtful, and made you feel like you were the most important person in the world at the time. Our conversations were very engaging. He was a truly wonderful man. God bless you during this most difficult time.
January 31, 2007
I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH CHARLES AND THE ONE THING ABOUT HIM THAT I REMEMBER THE MOST WAS THAT HE ROSE ABOVE EVERYONE ELSE, NOT ONLY IN STATUE BUT IN HIS KINDNESS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.
VICKIE LOTT ODENWELLER
Robin and Joe Saxon
January 31, 2007
Mayor DeVaney was a vital link in the history of Augusta. He brought life back to the Downtown area as well as bringing dignity and honor back to the Mayor's office. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. To his Mother there are no words adequate at this time. We pray that you will find peace with your loss. To his cousins, some of whom are also our cousins, our hearts go out to you.
Mrs. Doris H. Lam and The Jack Lam Family
January 31, 2007
Mrs. Lucero,
We were deeply sorry to hear the loss of Charles. Our family remembers you and your family from First Baptist Church for so many years. He loved Augusta and dedicated his life to see it prosper. His presence will be missed, but not forgotten. May our prayers help you at this very sad time, and be comforted to know that Charles is with God now.
Barbara Reed
January 31, 2007
My condolences to Mr. DeVaney's Mother and family for the loss they have suffered. I hope that your pain may be eased by knowing that Mr. Devaney was a very good and kind person and he never failed to smile and wave at every person he met. May God bless you all.
Opal Moser
January 30, 2007
To the family of Charles A. DeVaney,
"Just know no matter where you wake;
devoted friends await,
on common earth, or streets celestial--
there's love, on either shore."
Alan and Shelly Thrower
January 30, 2007
Charles was one of my roommates for two years at law school. He was truly a great friend and we enjoyed many hard years in school, filled with lots of fun in between. This would have been our 30th law class reunion, and I had looked forward to seeing him there. Unfortunately, we will spend much of that time mourning his passing. He was a lover of old musicals (like Showboat) and could sing almost every song. There is so much more I could say about his law school days, but I'll just keep those memories for now as time well spent. Rest in peace Charles. You left us all too soon.
Martha Scoggins Cabaniss
January 30, 2007
I went to school with Charles at Tubman, ARC, and college. He always had a smile and was willing to help you in whatever way he could. Augusta has lost a true friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mildred Hooper
January 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Roy Hooper
January 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Maryjane Thompson
January 30, 2007
Our Prayers and thoughts are with Mr. DeVaneys family and close friends at this time..May God bless you all and bring you strength and comfort..Mr.DeVaney did wonderful things for Augusta, He will truly be missed.
Glenn Brand
January 30, 2007
My wife, Judy, and I lived in Augusta from 1989 to 1999 and have nothing but fond memories. As a founding member, Judy will be forever greatful for Mayor DeVaney's commitment to "First Friday". Our prayers go out to the DeVaney family.
Andy & Joy Rayner
January 30, 2007
A warm and charismatic personality and great friend of Godalming and the Friends of Olglethorpe. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and his community. He was unique.
Valerie Sawyer
January 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jacqueline Millender
January 30, 2007
To the family of Charles A. DeVaney,
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Dr. and Mrs. Mallory K. Millender
Debbie Kamer (maiden-Murphey)
January 30, 2007
Mrs. Lucero,
I was so very sad and shocked to hear of Charles' passing. I worked at the lawfirm on Greene St. with him when he was first out of lawschool and Charles and I grew to become great friends. Those of us that worked at the lawfirm together were all great friends and spent many happy times together. When I moved to Atlanta Charles came to visit when I told him that I wanted him to meet and approve of my fiance which he did. We were later invited to the Masters after I was living in Ohio and we came down to visit. We lost touch somewhere along the way with him in GA and me in OH. I will always consider him to be a very close and dear friend and will miss him very much! My prayers will be with you during this difficult time. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort.
Charles, I will miss you very much and never forget our friendship and good times. I look forward to seeing you in heaven and laughing once again!
Chris
January 30, 2007
A "Gentle Giant" who never met a stranger, spoke softly, and always spoke to you as though you were the only one in the world at that moment. We will all miss this truly special giant of a man.
Charles & Cookie Varner
January 30, 2007
We offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to the DeVaney family, on the tragic, too-early passing of this excellent, gentle man. What a good man he was, and what a great public servant he was. He made us proud to be Augustans!
Sherri Sellers
January 30, 2007
We were devastated by the news of Charles' death. Charles will be
deeply missed at all the Southeastern Firefighter's Burn Foundations fundraisers in Lexington, SC. He was a great man and contributed a lot of time and effort to the Jeffrey Vaden Chavis House at the Augusta Burn Center. We send our condolences to his family and friends. May the spirit of Charles live on at the Burn Foundation.
Sherri Sellers and Alicia Chavis
Cyd Masters
January 30, 2007
Mrs. Lucero,
The sadness I've felt over the unexpected loss of Charles is shared by many, many people who knew him. I reminisce often over the fun days Charles and I shared during his tenure as Mayor. I learned alot from Charles, he was a brilliant man and a fun friend. You were a good and loving mother. My prayer is that your heart not be over-burdened by this early loss but that it will be strengthened by your beautiful memories.
Nancy Harrison Watson
January 30, 2007
Our deepest symapthy and prayers to Mrs. Lucero and family. May God grant Charles eternal peace; and comfort to his family.
Sincerely,
Skip & Nancy Watson
RICHARD LOWE
January 30, 2007
Augusta has lost a true citizen. I was shocked and sadden when the news of Mayor DeVaney's passing came across the television. I hope that his family and those who knew him will find some comfort in knowing that he is at Peaceful rest in GOD's loving arms.
Christine Sandy
January 30, 2007
Hazel, Thinking of you in this time of sadness. I miss the church and you as my special friend. I wish I could be with you but you know my health is not too good either. Take care. Your Friend in Christ, Christine Sandy
Victor W. Cross
January 30, 2007
Charles was a good friend to our entire family. He will be missed by all of Augusta, Georgia.
B Campbell
January 30, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
THOMAS HAZELWOOD
January 30, 2007
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DID FOR ME AND EVERYONE ELSE
Alma Hutchins
January 30, 2007
This is a sad time for the people of the Augusta area.
May God bless this family and friends.
BRENDA GRIMSTEAD
January 30, 2007
MY GOOD AMD DEAR FRIEND,I SHALL MISS YOU.TO YOUR FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Karen Hooper
January 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary and Peter Tomlin
January 30, 2007
We are devasted by the news of Charles' death and send our deepest condolences to his friends and family, especially the Swanns and the Cashins to whom he introduced us when he invited us to Augusta in the early 90s , as guests of the City Council. The highlight of our Oglethorpe Society's activities was Charles' annual Christmas visit to the society and his lively and informative talk on American politics. We shall miss him enormously and have such happy memories of him.
Camille Stephenson
January 30, 2007
Mrs. Lucero, My heart is broken for the loss of Charles. I went to kindergarden, Houghton, Tubman and Richmond Academy with Charles. He would pick me up to carpool to Richmond and he would let me out right in front of the school and then go park the car so that I wouldn't need to walk far. Charles would pick me up to go to Hand Bell performances that we would take part in. I will treasure my memories of growing up with my good friend that was always such a gentleman. I'll never forget going to my first teenage party in your home. All those present were like the "little raschals". Thank for for being the wonderful mother that you have always been to Charles and the wonderful neighbor and friend that you were to my mother and to our family. My family's love and prayers go out to you at this time. Camille deMedicis Stephenson
Fredericka Flynt
January 30, 2007
No better friend could anyone have in Augusta. Charles was always kind, positive and willing to volunteer his time to any worthy effort. He had so many more plans of projects to benefit the community. His shortened life is a loss to all of us.
Terry & Katrina Burton
January 30, 2007
Our lives, like many others, were greatly enriched by knowing Charles DeVaney. Augusta has suffered a big loss. We mourn the passing of Mayor DeVaney and we send our condolences to his family.
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