Charles E. Whitworth

Charles E. Whitworth, age 90 of Louisville, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 with family at his side. Born in Shepherdsville, Kentucky and raised in LaGrange, he was a graduate of Oldham County High School. Charlie embodied the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness from an early age. Answering the call to serve his country, Charlie proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he developed a deep sense of duty and camaraderie that he carried with him throughout his life. After his military service, Charlie built a respected career as a skilled construction contractor. Whether he was on a job site or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, Charlie's craftsmanship and reliability were second to none. He later worked as a quality control chemist at Shelbyville Water Company and retired in 1998.
Charlie was a member of West Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville and loved Jesus with all his heart. He was married to the love of his life, Marilyn Sternberg, for 29 years. Charlie was a lifelong and passionate fan of University of Kentucky Basketball, never missing a game and always cheering on the Wildcats with unmatched enthusiasm. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life-especially fishing and spending time at the lake with his family and beloved grandchildren and taking care of his many granddogs. After retirement he and Marilyn traveled extensively in the United States and internationally. In recent years, Charlie found a renewed sense of community and joy at the Jeffersontown Senior Center, where he formed deep friendships and became a fixture at the card table. His presence, sharp wit, and warm smile will be deeply missed by his many friends there.
Charlie leaves behind to cherish his memory: his step-children, Dr. Raleigh O. Jones, Jr. (Dr. Janine), Dr. Jeffrey S. Jones (Linda), and Dr. Jay T. Jones (Susan); niece Joan Sloan; nephew Jimmy Curtis; his 10 grandchildren; and his 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Jaye Whitworth, his parents, George Benton Whitworth and Iva Myrtle (Sanders) Whitworth; and siblings; George, Manual, Lois, Ruth, Della, Edward and Thomas.
In his last few days Charlie said he had lived a beautiful life, full of so many wonderful people and memories. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. He is now resting and rejoicing with his Savior, Jesus.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40218. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 AM until the service begins. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to West Broadway Baptist Church, 8420 Six Mile Lane, Louisville, KY 40220 or to Jeffersontown Senior Center, 10631 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, KY 40299.