Charles Lee Cummings Sr.

Charlie Cummings, father, grandfather, husband, and patriot, passed away on Thursday, March 12th in New Smryna Beach, Florida. Born in West Virginia to James Clark and Louisa Cummings on September 17, 1933, Charlie was an enterprising young man blessed with a wanderlust mixed with a deep sense of commitment. At the tender age of sixteen he forged his birth certificate in order to enlist in the Army which promptly sent him to fight in the Korean war. His mother found out and drafted a letter to the Army advising them of her son's young age. Military brass found Charlie in a foxhole on the Korean battlefield and whisked him back to the United States. Undeterred, Charlie (now of legal age) enlisted in the Air Force where he spent 20 years until his retirement as Tech Sargent.

Using his military experience, Charlie found work in over the road bus companies, where he worked his way up from driver to management positions. His strong work ethic, no nonsense approach to dealing with work issues and his genuine appreciation for those that worked under him earned him nationwide respect in the bus business.

In May 1952 Charlie married Joan Hartman, a union that lasted sixty-four years until Joan preceded him in death in 2016. Charlie is survived by his daughter Cindy (Scribner) and his son Charles, Jr. Grandchildren include Brent and Brian Miller, Sam and Alex Scribner, Kelly Newsome, Amber Coleman, Ashley Stacklin, and Charles Cummings III.

Papa will be remembered as a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a strong role model. He said what was on his mind, regardless of the popularity. He was neat, principled and stood behind his convictions. He will be missed deeply.