Tom Charnock

Charles Thomas “Tom” Charnock, 82, of West Palm Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Tom was born in Nassawadox, Virginia, to the late Lelia Ackiss Charnock and the late Washington Bryant Charnock on December 23, 1941. 

He was a graduate of Northampton High School and Virginia Tech. Tom loved life, exuding joy and exuberance that were contagious. He liked music and was a good dancer. Sometimes he would mention how he likes to work hard and play hard. Tom chose an unusual vocation; he was one of the first migratory beekeepers who moved their bees across America to pollinate different crops. At home, in Florida, it was the orange blossom. In the state of Maine, Charnock's bees pollinated fields of blueberry blossoms. In North Dakota it was sweet clover, sunflowers, and canola. The destination was almond groves in California. For many years, he flew his own airplane to find the best locations that were full of blooms. His vibrant memory lives in the hearts and minds of the many people who knew and loved him dearly. Fly, Charles Thomas Charnock, in the sky to the stars...into your dreamworld.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Parks (Howard Parks, deceased), his wife, Irisha Charnock, his daughter, Suzanne Halverson (Jeffrey Halverson), his son, Ross Charnock (Christine Charnock), and six grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Charnock, and his son, Thomas Charnock.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:00AM, at Lower Northampton Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Conrow officiating. Memorials may be made to Lower Northampton Baptist Church, c/o Annette Brown, 5425 Tyson’s Circle Cape Charles, VA 23310.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles, Virginia.