Charles Lorraine Cabell

1951 - 2025

Charles Lorraine Cabell

October 25, 1951 - June 26, 2025

Charles Lorraine Cabell, a devoted husband, father, accomplished attorney, and pillar of the Richmond community, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2025, in Richmond, Va., at the age of 73.

Born in Richmond on October 25, 1951, Charles was a lifelong Virginian whose legacy of service, leadership, and generosity left a profound mark on the Commonwealth.

Charles graduated from the Collegiate School, earned his bachelor's degree from Hampden-Sydney College, and received his Juris Doctor from the William & Mary Law School. He was a partner at the law firm Williams Mullen, where he was widely respected for his expertise in real estate, land use, estate planning, and business law. Charles was known for his wisdom, steadiness, and quiet leadership, qualities that made him a trusted advisor to generations of clients and colleagues.

Beyond his legal work, Charles was a tireless advocate for philanthropy and civic engagement. As President of The Cabell Foundation, he helped guide transformative grantmaking efforts in support of education, historic preservation, the arts, and social services across Virginia. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, was Trustee Emeritus of Hampden-Sydney College, and served on the Board of Governors of The Commonwealth Club as well as the boards of trustees of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and Brookfield. He was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

His lifelong commitment to public service was recognized by commendations from the Governor of Virginia and his alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College, acknowledging his impact as a benefactor, advisor, and civic steward.

While Charles was esteemed in boardrooms, his greatest joy came from time on the open ocean. For over 40 years, he was known among friends and fellow anglers as the Captain of the Tag-N-Stick, his beloved sportfishing boat. Fishing out of Pirate's Cove, N.C., he spent countless summers chasing billfish and building lasting friendships in the offshore fishing community. His deep knowledge of the water, quiet determination, and unshakable patience made him a legendary figure in East Coast sportfishing.

In retirement, Charles fulfilled a lifelong dream by relocating his boat to Quepos, Costa Rica, where he spent his later years fishing the abundant waters of the Pacific. There, he continued to chase sailfish and marlin with remarkable success, enjoying memorable days on the water and forming lasting bonds in an international community of sportsmen who came to admire and respect him.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Robison Cabell; his daughters, Katherine Cabell Watson (Brian), Margaret Cabell (Jamey), and Jordan Cabell; his stepson, Hunter Otterson (Casey); his two grandchildren, Michael Cabell Watson and Annabelle Elizabeth Cabell; and his beloved Border Collie, Teaser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Royal E. Cabell and Kathleen B. Cabell: and his brother, Royal E. Cabell, Jr.

Charles will be remembered for his humility, sense of duty, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. To his family, friends, and colleagues, he was a quiet force for good, steadfast, principled, and generous in both spirit and action.

A memorial service to celebrate Charles's life will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, July 9th, at St. James Episcopal Church on Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Feed More, a cause Charles supported deeply, or to any organization that reflects his lifelong values of education, community welfare, or the preservation of Virginia's heritage.