Major Charles Bradford Vanderlip

Charles Bradford Vanderlip, a retired US Army Major, passed away on April 1, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born in Savannah, Georgia, on December 14, 1929, to Henry and Rebecca Vanderlip. But he spent the majority of his life with family and friends in Apex, NC, where he was an active member of Olive Chapel Baptist Church for many years.
Major Vanderlip served his country with honor and distinction in the US Army from 1948 through 1968. He was a Master Paratrooper and non-commissioned officer before being selected to attend Infantry Officer Candidate School where he graduated in 1957. In 1960, he entered aviation training. Upon graduation, he served in multiple assignments including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam as well as being a flight instructor in Arizona. He received numerous awards and commendations and retired in 1968 as a Major and Senior Aviator.
Upon his retirement, Major Vanderlip worked in various manufacturing positions. He also operated an airport in Tennessee and ran a charter flight service. Along with his wife, Ida, they also owned and operated their own manufacturing business in Apex, Misida Lighting. His post military experience includes livestock and crop farming.
Charles is survived by his wife Ida Fell Vanderlip, his son David Bradford Vanderlip and his wife Sharon, his daughter Wanda Vanderlip Abbott and her husband Andy, his son-in law James Warren Townsend, his friend Colonel James David Canfield, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Vanderlip Townsend and his brother, Henry Nelson Vanderlip.
The family will receive friends at Olive Chapel Baptist Church on Monday, April 10, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with funeral services to follow at 3:00 PM at Olive Chapel Baptist Church. Reverend Ronald Murray will officiate the service, and Charles will be laid to rest at the Olive Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.