Charles Edward Thorpe Jr.

Charles Edward Thorpe Jr., a brilliant mind and devoted family man, passed away on September 9, 2025. Charles lived a life defined by integrity, intellectual achievement, and steadfast devotion to those he loved. Charles was born on February 16, 1968, and proudly made Georgia his home, where he built his career and family life. A gifted student from his earliest school years, he ultimately graduated with high honor from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1996, earning his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree. He also received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1997 from Georgia Tech. While at Georgia Tech, he began his professional journey with Georgia Power designing substations, which was his dream opportunity that reflected his passion for high-voltage power distribution systems. After earning his degrees, he continued to work at Georgia Power, further honing his technical skills. Before pursuing his engineering studies, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. A consummate goal-setter, he was inspired by the officers he served alongside and set his sights on earning a commission as an officer. He attended Georgia Military College, graduating second in his class in 1988 with dual Associate in Science degrees for Engineering and Military Science, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He completed his military service with honor in 1996, leaving the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant. After years of engineering success, Charles set his sights on the law-combining his technical expertise with a passion for protecting innovation. While working as a patent agent at Thomas Kayden Horstemeyer and Risley, LLP, he attended Georgia State University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2004. Charles then joined the prestigious King & Spalding law firm as a patent attorney. He went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career as a patent attorney, ultimately lending his talents during the final seven years of his practice to Incorporating Innovation LLC as Of Counsel, where he continued to expertly safeguard inventors' intellectual property. Charles was widely respected for his strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. While Charles excelled professionally, those closest to him knew him best for his strong moral compass, honesty, and quiet strength-qualities that shaped his daily life and relationships. Family was at the heart of everything he did. His proudest roles were father, son, and brother. His love language was acts of service, and he found happiness in helping those he loved. Charles cherished the enduring friendship he shared with his former wife, Charlena Thorpe, and together they lovingly raised their beloved son, Charles Edward Thorpe III (Suwanee, GA), who marked his 21st birthday in August 2025. Charles loved bicycling and visiting the shooting range. He also loved going on adventures with his son Charles III including fishing, biking, and swimming. He loved music, a passion that dated back to his childhood when he played several instruments including the clarinet, saxophone, drums, and guitar. Charles also loved to talk and share his thoughts on many topics. He was a natural conversationalist who connected easily with people from all walks of life. Charles is survived by his devoted son, Charles Edward Thorpe III (Suwanee, GA); his loving mother, Patricia Thorpe; his sisters, Margret Christia Thorpe and Teresa Thorpe; his son Tre Thorpe; and nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward Thorpe Sr. A celebration of Charles' life will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Suwanee Worship Center, 754 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to gather in remembrance of an exceptional life.