Charlene Raddin

Charlene "Charlie" Thomas Raddin, 75, of 214 Janeway, our beloved "Charlie" of Greenwood, SC, left us and is now once again with her loving husband of 48 years, Richard (Dick) Raddin, and her parents, Lyle and Helen Drinkard Thomas, her second parents, Harry and Jackie Raddin, her sister, Faye Russell, her brother, Ray Thomas, her brother-in-law Bruce Raddin, and all of her friends that had predeceased her. Charlene is survived by her two children, daughter Tracey Page and husband Terry of Macon, GA, and her son, Kevin Thomas Raddin of Greenwood. Her two grandchildren were her special joy, Tommy Raddin of Greenwood and Tori Page of Macon, GA. She is survived by two sisters, Anne Thomas Stratton, and Stella and Calvin Tanner, of Concord, VA, her sister and brother-in-law Robin and Jim Winters of Phoenix, AZ, her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Hal and Margaret Raddin, her sister, Mrs. Mary Raddin, and her brother-in-law Vincent Russell, all of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by a host of devoted nieces, nephews and cousins. Upon graduation from VPI, Dick accepted employment in the textile industry and this provided the family with exciting moves in the Carolinas. Within a couple of weeks in each new location, Charlene had made friends with all the neighbors in a one or two mile radius of her home, and her house was bustling with church friends, golfing buddies, bridge partners and we must not forget the afternoon deck groups. All of these people remained "forever friends" visited and telephoned Charlene on a regular basis and have visited her over the last few weeks. Many days you could find Charlene on the golf course during the day and at the bridge table with friends at night. She excelled at both and was known to win the total bridge jackpot of $1.25 often. Charlene was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, where she volunteered in many areas. One of her favorite was work with the children of the "Good News Club." She especially enjoyed the training and opportunities available with the "Stephen's Ministry" program. During her final illness, Charlene has taught all of us the joy of a life well lived and the special joy of knowing where her eternal home will be. She would like to encourage all of her friends to share with her in this joy and know that one day she will see all of us again. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Kyle Hite officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date. Honorary escort will be the current and former members of the Greenwood Country Club Ladies Golf Association. The family will receive friends after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charity, Elizabeth's Early Learning Center, The Stella Tanner Scholarship Fund, 2320 Bedford Avenue, Lynchburg, VA, 24503. The family is at the home. Harley Funeral Home and Crematory (www.harleyfuneralhome.com) is in charge of arrangements.

This obituary was originally published in The Index-Journal (Greenwood, SC).