Oscar Charlie Chewning Jr.

1935 - 2025

Oscar Charlie Chewning, Jr.

May 3, 1935 - October 24, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina - Oscar Charlie Chewning, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2025.

Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mamie Ruth Chewning; his brother, Jimmy Chewning; and his parents, Oscar Charlie "Bill" Chewning and Cleo Chewning.

He is survived by his three devoted daughters: Donna Clement (Chris Clement), Gina Chewning-Kinlaw (Robin Kinlaw), and Cami Chewning-Barefoot (Don Barefoot) all of Raleigh, North Carolina; eight cherished grandchildren: Travis Benforado, Brittany Wise, Landon Clement, Jade Clement, Trevor Kinlaw, Wesley Barefoot, Emily Kinlaw, and Carly Jo Barefoot; eight great grandchildren; and loving sister and brother-in-law Frances and Graham Davis.

Charlie was a man of unwavering dedication to his girls and grandchildren, his work, and his beloved Duke University. He lived his life with integrity, humility, and compassion, greeting everyone he met with genuine warmth and kindness. Charlie was a selfless soul, always willing to lend a helping hand or share a word of encouragement.

Born in Lilesville, North Carolina, on May 3, 1935, Charlie grew up helping on his family's farm and in the family's store, the Dixie Superette. He graduated from Duke University in 1957 and, on June 9th, married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth, whom he had first met in the sixth grade.

Charlie proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for three years as a navigator on air refueling tankers in the Strategic Air Command. In 1960, he joined Haskins and Sells (now Deloitte) in Charlotte, and in August 1970, he established the firm's Raleigh office, and was later the Charlotte and Raleigh firm's managing partner. His professional accomplishments were numerous; in 1975, he was appointed by the Governor of North Carolina, James Holshouser, as a representative of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, and in 1977, he was elected President of the Wake County Duke Alumni Association. He also served on several boards, including NC Board of CPA, NASBA CPA Review Board, and CTC Communications Board of Directors. Charlie was also an active member of numerous civic and charitable organizations for many years including: Duke University Estate Planning Council; Wake County Alumni Club President; General Alumni Association Board; General Alumni Association Board President; Fuqua School of Business Participant in MBA Management Game; United Way Board; Salvation Army Advisory Board, Raleigh; Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Board and Past Treasurer; Advisory Boards of Peace College, Meredith College, NC Central University School of Business; Executive Club, Raleigh President; Rotary Club Board; UNCC Athletic Foundation Board; and The Fifty Group.

Charlie retired as a Senior Partner at Deloitte and Touche, LLP, in 1994.

A loyal Duke Blue Devils fan, Charlie held football and basketball season tickets since the 1970s. Duke University was his happy place, especially with the crazies at Cameron Indoor Stadium where he loved cheering on the Blue Devils and sharing his passion for Duke with his entire family.

Although Charlie was an avid accountant in his professional life, in his later years he focused his attention mostly towards family, and enjoyed his occasional thrifting trips, bowls of ice cream, and walks at Ocean Isle Beach, where he and his family had spent many summers vacationing.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to David Chayko, a cherished family friend, and Dr. Joseph Moore of the Duke Cancer Center for their devoted care, compassion, and support.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Millbrook Baptist Church, 1519 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27609. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremony.

Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Millbrook Baptist Church, 1519 East Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, N.C., or to the National Ataxia Foundation at https://www.ataxia.org/. Be Good and Do Good in all you Do.