Charles Litaker

Charles Edward Litaker WADESBORO - Mr. Charles Edward Litaker, 67, died Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at his home. Charles was born on July 7, 1947, in Mt. Pleasant, NC, a son of Frieda Smith Litaker and Franklin Brooks Litaker. He was a master musician who played organ for his first church service at the young age of 9. Charles gave his life to the Church and found joy and purpose in the United Methodist Church's "Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors" ideal. The people of First UMC in Wadesboro became his home when he arrived to play organ as a freshman at Pfeiffer College, and were the main reason that he and his wife Gail chose to make Wadesboro their permanent home. Charles was an accomplished organist, who won district and regional competitions with the American Guild of Organists. In 1970, he earned a top ranking at the national AGO finals in Buffalo, NY. Charles was the consummate musician, for whom the notes on the page became living, breathing acts of worship. This became a central point of connection between Charles and his wife Gail, who together led music for worship throughout Anson County and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Charles taught music at Bowman High School (now Anson Sr. High School) for over 30 years. He loved the classroom and his students. Over the years, Charles and Gail taught music to nearly every child in Anson County, and he loved reconnecting with former chorus, piano, and Show Choir students. In fact, his hospice team was comprised almost completely of former music students, which brought him great comfort. Charles loved the people of Anson County, and he celebrated his relationships with them. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Gail Stacker Litaker, of the home; his children, Katie (Ashley) Cyre of Winston-Salem, Chuck (Rhonda) Litaker of Silver Lakes, CA, and Emily (Rodney) Privette of Cheraw, SC; his grandchildren Hope, Grace, and Bryton Litaker and Eli Cyre, and Drake, Devin, Nash, Logan, and Faith, who he came to love as members of his blended family. Also surviving is his brother, John (Marikay) Litaker of Lynchburg, VA; and a close and much-loved extended family. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Elsie H. Litaker. A memorial service to celebrate Charles' life will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, March 29, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, which just celebrated his 50 years of service. The family will greet friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Dr. Gregory Brouse and his team, and the staff of Hospice of Union County for their guidance and gift of presence in Charles' final transition. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110; or to support the ministries of First United Methodist Church, 118 E. Morgan St., Wadesboro, NC 28170. Leavitt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com.