Charles Chappell Baskin

1952 - 2024

Charles Chappell Baskin

August 25, 1952 - May 4, 2024

Charlie Chappell Baskin was born August 25, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia to Beth and Carl Baskin. He grew up on the campus of Randolph Macon College, where his father was a professor. He attended Henry Clay Elementary, Patrick Henry High School, Hargrave Military Academy, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. As an adventurous young man he took up pole vaulting, and hitchhiked across the country twice, living in Oregon and California.

He returned to Virginia where he lived with his partner, Betsy Cox, and a parade of cats, dogs and birds in Doswell, Hanover County. Charlie was best known for his passion and talent for music. Charlie played many instruments, including guitar, banjo, pedal steel, mandolin, and fiddle. He was a treasured member of many bands over the course of his life, including Hickory Hill and South Anna. He was also a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews and the children of friends, always full of gentle fun and wit. He's remembered by them for his extensive Lionel train collection.

He died of natural causes May 4, 2024. A memorial was held on July 13 at Duncan Memorial Church, and his ashes are interred near his beloved Betsy at Woodlawn Cemetery. He is mourned by his brother, Lyle Baskin, his sister Mary Beth Garrahan, nieces, nephews, friends and fellow musicians. Sympathy messages can be sent to uulyle@gmail.com or to j_garrahan@comcast.net.