Dr. Charles Scheil

1933 - 2025

After a long, fulfilling and productive life, Charles (Charlie) Philip Frederick Scheil passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of August 17, 2025, at the age of 92. Born March 16, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the only son of the late Elsie Bachman Scheil and Charles Conrad Scheil of Lenoir, North Carolina.

Charlie was the devoted husband for over 70 years to the love of his life, Frances (Fran) Schlindwein Scheil. Their love story began when they had their first date as eighth graders, riding the Coney Island roller coaster together-a fitting start to a lifetime of adventure and joy shared between them.

He was a loving and supportive father who was preceded in death by his daughter Carolyn Scheil Keister (d. January 24, 2025). He is survived by his wife, Fran, and by his sons Charles (Chuck) David Scheil and Mark Philip Scheil; son-in-law Mark Jeffery Keister; and daughters-in-law Sharon Sheets Scheil and Karen Fowler Scheil. He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Benjamin Mark Keister (Valentina Bongiovanni), Elise Frances Keister (Aditya Kalyanshetti), Kirsten Scheil Railey (Wyatt), David Haley Owen-Keister (Maggie), Nicholas Alexander Scheil (Lauren), Cara Scheil Crumb (Brendan), and Juliana Scheil Battista (Nicholas); and four great-grandchildren: Knox Gregory Scheil, Easton James Scheil, Andie Louise Scheil, and Noah Charles Battista.

Charlie grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey and attended Duke University for three years before being accepted to Duke Medical School, where he received his medical degree in 1958. Following graduation, he proudly served for seven years as a Captain in the United States Army as well as a Flight Surgeon for Navy Aviators from 1955-1962. For over 35 years, he served as a beloved family practice physician in Lenoir, North Carolina, caring for generations of families through his compassionate dedication to his patients, leaving a positive imprint in the community.

An avid fisherman, Charlie treasured his time on the water on the Outer Banks, North Carolina and in Melbourne Beach, Florida. He was also a talented woodworker, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of over 120 handmade wooden bowls and accessories that will be cherished by family and friends.

Charlie possessed a wonderful voice that he generously shared on numerous occasions in church and at community events. Passionate about theater, he held roles in the musicals Fiddler on the Roof and 1776 at the CCC&TI Community Theater in Lenoir, NC. He delighted audiences by hosting variety shows, bringing joy and entertainment to his community while residing in Outdoor Resorts Melbourne Beach Florida.

A lifelong adventurous world traveler, Charlie explored the globe with curiosity and enthusiasm. Since his retirement in 1997, Charlie and Fran split their time between homes in Lenoir, NC and Melbourne Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed deep friendships and participated actively in many community activities. An enthusiastic Duke fan throughout his life, Charlie's loyalty to his alma mater never wavered.

Charlie was a lifelong Christian, belonging to the Lutheran faith. He was a 60-year member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Lenoir, North Carolina, where his faith and service were central to his life.

Funeral services will be held at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Lenoir, North Carolina on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Family visitation will be prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the church. Following the ceremony there will be a private graveside burial service.

Memorial donations are suggested to: In Memory of Charles P. Scheil, MD, St. Stephens Lutheran Church, 1406 Harper Ave NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Scheil family.